The Johnston County prosecutor will investigate after video shows a Smithfield police officer punching an Amazon employee

SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WTVD) — An investigation has been launched in Smithfield after an officer was caught on cell phone video punching someone early Friday morning.

The incident occurred outside the Amazon distribution facility on US Business 70.

“Based on the information and what we saw, the situation didn’t look great,” said Marlon Lee, a city council member.

He saw the video, which has now been shared widely on social media, and also spoke with the Smithfield police chief.

“Obviously it was just a little tidbit, but you know we definitely want to know exactly what led to this section,” Lee said.

Police said they attempted to stop Terrance Ellis about a mile from the facility with his lights and sirens on. Investigators said he continued until he reached the Amazon facility, where he was scheduled to leave for a night shift.

Smithfield police told Eyewitness News that not only did Ellis not stop, but he was also the first to charge at the officers.

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Ellis is in the Johnston County Detention Center on multiple charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer and drunken driving. Investigators also found him with marijuana in the prison itself.

Police said they would ask a judge to release dashcam video showing the entire incident.

Councilman Lee said the city has received federal funding to purchase body cameras, but they have not yet been installed.

“We definitely need these for incidents like this so we can see the whole story,” Lee said.

The Johnston County District Attorney is reviewing all evidence in the case. Amazon said no other employees were involved in the incident.