Six officers investigated for beatings

PHILADELPHIA -- A police sergeant and five officers were pulled from street duty Wednesday as city officials investigated television footage showing a group of officers kicking and punching three suspects during a traffic stop.

More than a dozen officers were involved, but Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said investigators were having the videotape enhanced to help determine how many of them were actually striking the suspects.

Any information police find will be sent to prosecutors, who will determine whether charges are warranted.

Police stopped the suspects' car while investigating a triple shooting Monday night.

The video, shot by WTXF-TV from a helicopter, showed three police cars stopping a car.

Officers gathered around the vehicle and pulled three men out. About a half-dozen officers held two men on the ground on the driver's side. Both were kicked repeatedly, while one was punched; one also appeared to be struck with a baton. On the other side of the car, the video showed, more officers kicking a third man on the ground.

The three suspects were each charged with attempted murder in the shooting.