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Video captures attack on Maxton police officer

When a law enforcement officer uses force while on the job, video of the encounter will usually turn up on social media accounts before, perhaps going viral.

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By
Amanda Lamb
, WRAL reporter
MAXTON, N.C. — When a law enforcement officer uses force while on the job, video of the encounter will usually turn up on social media accounts before, perhaps going viral.

A recent video is also generating online engagement: But this clip shows people surrounding Maxton police Officer Michael Sale, who was beaten after responding to a 911 call while on patrol.

After beng dispatched to the Minit Shop on Middle Street, Sale was attacked by a man who struck the officer several times.

Minit Shop in Maxton

Sale shared the incident via a Facebook post, saying: “I fought back as much as I could and broke away to chase after the first person who hit me until my vision became blurry and I couldn’t go any further.”

After the assault in a parking lot, the department's chief received a call, saying Sale has been injured.

"They called me at home and told me one of my officers had been assaulted," Chief John Ruppe said.

Ruppe went to the scene and was told the store manager had asked Sale to clear the parking lot. which prompted the attack.

Sale "went outside to ask them to leave, and one (person) started cussing and said he wasn't going anywhere," Ruppe said. "He got surrounded (and) the other one hit him from the side, and started hitting him."

Maxton Police Chief John Ruppe

James Thompson, 34, ran from the scene but was later arrested and charged with assaulting a government official.

Thompson remained at the Robeson County Jail as of Monday evening.

According to court records, he has a criminal record that dates back to 2001, which includes multiple assault convictions.

Police said the video captured during the attack will serve as the best evidence.

"We were lucky to have it," Ruppe said. "Also, we got the camera footage from the store."

“I thank God for being with me.,"Sale said in his social media post. "Thank you to everyone who has called and checked on me. I am in high spirits. and even with what happened I’m ready to go back to work.”

Sale is expected to return to work when he is ready.

Investigators still don't know the identity of the person who shot the video and originally shared it online.

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