Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez says officers acted appropriately when arresting a man after last weekend's Dominican Festival.
Police say they were clearing the crowd, but Adonis Placencio refused to leave, and they felt what appeared to be a gun in his bag.
During a struggle an officer was recorded punching Placencio and the video was posted on social media.
Police then recovered a gun with a high-capacity magazine.
Chief Perez says police were trying to clear a disorderly and hostile crowd and an internal review has cleared the officer.
(Photo Credit: Providence Police Department)