A cop in Los Angeles was captured on video beating a woman who had been walking along the Interstate 10 freeway in Los Angeles, endangering herself and others, officials say. After the video began to spread, the California Highway Patrol has vowed to investigate the circumstances that led to the violent beating.

According to a report in the Associated Press:

The woman had been walking on Interstate 10 west of downtown Los Angeles, endangering herself and people in traffic, and the officer was trying to restrain her, CHP Assistant Chief Chris O'Quinn said at a news conference. O'Quinn said the woman had begun walking off the freeway but returned when the confrontation occurred.

The video shows the woman struggling and trying to sit up while the officer punches her in the face and head until an off-duty law enforcement officer appears and helps him handcuff her.

The officer, who has not been identified, is on administrative leave while investigations are underway. Community organizations in the area have reportedly banded together to raise awareness of the video, confirming at a press conference that the CHP has historically been responsive to the community's complaints.

Via the AP:

Community activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson, speaking at the local leaders' news conference, agreed.

"Over the years, CHP has had a very good track record in terms of community relations," Hutchinson said. "That's why this was so shocking."

At a news conference, CHP Assistant Chief Chris O'Quinn said that the woman sustained no injuries and is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation.