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NAACP speaks on Bibb deputy's use of force while arresting shoplifting suspect

Gwenette Westbrooks says the suspect's mother filed a complaint and they're wondering why Officer Denny didn't handle the situation better.

Thursday, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office says Deputy Nicholas Denny is now on administrative leave and is suspended with pay after an investigation into a video that shows him punching a man several times outside a gas station.

In the video, Denny is seeing trying to arrest Marquez Lewis for allegedly stealing beer from Flash Foods on Pio Nono Avenue.

On Monday, 13WMAZ looked into both a video taken by a bystander and the body cam footage that showed more of what led up to the brawl.    

RELATED: A tale of two camera angles: Videos show Bibb deputy punching man during arrest

Sheriff David Davis says when he first saw the video of his deputy punching the man several times, he was disturbed, but he says his deputy did what he needed to do when Lewis resisted arrest.

Lieutenant Sean DeFoe says their internal affairs division is still investigating.

Thursday, the head of Macon's NAACP held a news conference to discuss the case.

Gwenette Westbrooks says the suspect's mother filed a complaint and they're wondering why Officer Denny didn't handle the situation better.

She says the NAACP understands that Marquez Lewis may have committed a crime, but questions the officers' use of force. Westbrooks says Lewis has mental health problems and was off his medications.

"He was holding to a wall, and he, at one point, was holding onto a pole. Never at any point did he try to attack the officer, he did not try to flee, but once he disclosed that he was off his mental health meds, the officer should have approached the situation differently," said Westbrooks.

Marquez Lewis remains in the Bibb County jail on $1,800 bond. 

RELATED: Centerville chief says officers acted properly when they Tased man

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