MANCHESTER, N.H. — A Manchester Police Department officer has been placed on administrative leave after cellphone video of an arrest sparked public concern over the level of force used against a suspect.

Officer Justin Ketcham, who joined the department in 2022, is now under investigation by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office following the incident.

According to police, officers responded to a report that a 57-year-old man had assaulted his elderly father. During the encounter, authorities say the suspect attacked one of the responding officers and continued to resist arrest even after being handcuffed. He has been charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest, and simple assault.

A cellphone video that began circulating on social media appears to show officers striking the man while he was on the ground being restrained. The footage quickly drew criticism and raised questions about whether the force used was justified.

In response, the Manchester Police Department placed Officer Ketcham on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Officials noted that viral videos often do not capture the full context of an incident, and the Attorney General’s Office will now review the entire encounter to determine if the actions were lawful and consistent with department policy.

The 57-year-old suspect was taken into custody and faces multiple charges related to the alleged assault on his father and the confrontation with police.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Manchester Police Department has not released additional bodycam or official footage at this time.

This case adds to the growing list of police use-of-force incidents that have drawn intense public scrutiny after videos spread rapidly online.