New video obtained in Vineland police custody death

Wednesday, April 8, 2015
VIDEO: New video in Vineland takedown
New video emerged Tuesday of the controversial Vineland police takedown of 32-year-old Phillip White before his death in police custody.

VINELAND, N.J. (WPVI) -- New video emerged Tuesday of the controversial Vineland police takedown of 32-year-old Phillip White before his death in police custody.



An officer can be seen on the man's back before a police dog is called over.



The dog attacks while the officer is punching.



The video was captured on March 31st while police were responding to a disorderly conduct call on the 100 block of Grape Street.



Residents say White was on the sidewalk acting strange.



Investigators say when officers, now identified as Louis Platania and Richard Janasiak, responded, White resisted and even tried to grab the K9 officer's gun.



A smartphone recorded the officer on top of what appears to be a subdued, but un-handcuffed White, before the police dog moved in.



Neighbors begged White who had his hands up to comply as the dog held on to his arm.



White was later rushed to the hospital where he died. Autopsy results have not been released.





The death sparked anger and even threats from hackers who posted the personal information of the officers involved online.



On Tuesday night, family members of White made their way into a viewing at Shiloh Baptist Church.



There is also a memorial on Grape Street where residents still question what happened.



"The family needs answers, we all need answers to this," resident Tony Vega said.



The hackers have also threatened a cyberattack on the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office which is investigating the takedown and death of White.



Vineland's police chief has called this incident a tragedy.



The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.


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