Maine Dept. of Corrections seeks source of inmate pepper-spray video

PORTLAND, Maine (MyFoxBoston.com) – Maine Department of Corrections officials are trying to determine how video of a bound inmate being pepper-sprayed made its way to a newspaper.

The more than two hours-long video shows officers at the Maine Correctional Center in Windham trying to restrain the inmate, who was being treated for a self-inflicted arm wound. The inmate apparently spits at an officer and one of the officers sprays him with pepper spray.

According to the Press Herald, the pepper spray was designed to be used on multiple people at a distance of about 20 feet.

The Press Herald, citing the Maine Sunday Telegram, identified the officer that sprayed the inmate as Capt. Shawn Welch. Welch was fired but was later given a 30-day suspension.

Maine lawmakers are investigating the incident.

Meanwhile the department of corrections is trying to determine how the video got leaked to the press.

Click here for video of the Incident (WARNING: The video contains images that some viewers may find extremely disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.)

Cox Media Group