Interim Decatur Police Chief Nadis E. Carlisle, Jr., said in a weekend release that the department is internally investigating an arrest video that sparked controversy in the community.

The video shows John Scott Jr. being placed under arrest on April 15 at Brookridge Apartments after an encounter with local law enforcement that lasted nearly 30 minutes.

Police said Scott later exhibited signs of physical distress.

According to Carlisle’s statement, the footage shows the department’s second interaction with Scott that day.

Earlier that morning, officers responded to a call from Scott’s mother, Paulette Tennison, regarding her son’s mental health, Carlisle said.

“The officer on scene heard Tennison’s concerns and contacted our Mental Health Liaison to relay information regarding Scott’s mental health status after he cleared from the scene,” the release reads.

“Based on the information shared, it was determined he was not an imminent threat of harm to himself or others and did not meet criteria for forced hospitalization.”

“Officers also recognized what they believed to be signs consistent with the use of illicit substances.”

Around 8:15 p.m. that day, officers responded to a second call.

“After a Morgan County warrant was confirmed to match Scott’s personal identifiers, he was given the choice to go to the hospital voluntarily or be taken into custody,” Carlisle said.

“When Scott refused both options and declined to comply with lawful commands, officers attempted to arrest him.”

“He physically resisted, and the situation quickly escalated,” the release continues.

“Officers used a Taser, delivered several physical strikes, and executed a physical takedown in an effort to safely gain control and prevent harm to Scott and others.”

Following his arrest, Scott was transported to the Morgan County Jail, where custody was officially transferred to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.

“During the booking process, Scott continued to actively resist the efforts of correctional officers,” it reads.

“He was placed in a cell and later began showing signs of medical distress.”

“The jail staff called for an ambulance and Scott was transported to Decatur Morgan Hospital where he experienced a medical emergency that required life-saving measures,” it continues.

“We are actively monitoring his condition and remain in contact with his family.”

Carlise said that an internal investigation was immediately initiated in accordance with department policy.

“We are also cooperating fully with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, medical professionals, and any relevant oversight agencies to ensure a complete and transparent review of the incident,” he wrote.

“The Decatur Police Department is committed to full transparency and accountability.”

“As more information becomes available and verified, we will continue to provide timely updates,” he continued.

“We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as this investigation proceeds.”

Shortly after Carlisle’s statement ran on Saturday, the department published another release about its mental health liaison Kate Anderson.

“Mental health intervention is a systemic challenge across our country, but we are proud of the proactive efforts being led by the Decatur Police Department and the City of Decatur,” it reads.

“With Kate’s continued influence, we are reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement in mental health matters and working toward a future where people living with mental illness — and the families who love them — are connected to the right system of care.”

“We are honored to have Kate Anderson on our team,” it concluded.

The release did not reference Scott’s case specifically.