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10 US deputies put on leave over videotaped beating of man who fled on horse

WATCH ABOVE: Authorities pursuing a man on a stolen horse in San Bernardino was seen being beaten by law enforcement as he was apprehended. (WARNING: Viewers discretion is advised)

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A California sheriff has placed 10 deputies on paid administrative leave after news video recorded a violent arrest that he says appeared to be excessive force.

San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon announced the action in the aftermath of the arrest of 30-year-old Francis Pusok, who fled by car and then on a stolen horse when deputies tried to serve a search warrant in an identity-theft investigation Thursday.

WATCH: Francis Pusok’s attorneys say Pusok claims he did no resist during the violent arrest.

McMahon says an internal investigation has begun on the use of force. In addition, two criminal investigations have begun — one into Pusok’s actions and the other into the deputies actions.

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The sheriff says he was “disturbed and troubled” by what he saw in the video recorded by a KNBC-TV helicopter crew.

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