Man charged after Chicago firefighter confrontation captured on video

The confrontation unfolded around 11:45 a.m. near the 7300 block of South Maryland Avenue. People leaving a nearby church service called 911 after noticing Brown, who was shirtless and barefoot, and a witness recorded what followed.</p>

<p>Police said an officer tried to calm Brown and gave verbal commands, then used a Taser when he did not comply. The device had no effect, police said. Brown continued toward an on-duty firefighter, and the firefighter struck him with a blunt object. Video shows the firefighter hitting Brown in the head with a tool and knocking him down.</p>

<p>The firefighter dropped the tool and appeared to check on Brown. Brown later sat up as more officers arrived and took him into custody. Police said he was treated at St. Bernard Hospital and was in good condition. The firefighter was also taken to a hospital.</p>

<p>Brown, who is from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, faces felony charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault involving a firefighter. Police said he was wanted on eight warrants. He was scheduled to appear at a Cook County detention hearing on November 3. The Chicago Fire Department said it is investigating the incident.</p>

<p>A witness who recorded the encounter said she felt the firefighter was keeping those around him safe, among them children and church attendees. A union leader told a local broadcaster that firefighters are increasingly assisting police and that the firefighter in this case would not leave the officer to manage the situation alone.</p>