Prosecutors probe video threat over death in Vineland custody case

VINELAND (AP) — Prosecutors are investigating a video threat purportedly made by a hacking group that wants them to release the names of three Vineland police officers involved in the arrest of a man who died while in custody.

Meanwhile, video of the arrest taken by a phone became available on Tuesday showing an officer sitting on White's back punching him as White lay next to his car in the street. A police dog joins the officer and holds White's arm as other officer help restrain White.

S. Carolina cop charged with murder

An officer then walks over to the person taking the video asking how much of the incident he saw and requesting his phone "evidence." The officer and the person begin a discussion as the video ends.

Screenshot of video showing the arrest of Phillip White by Vineland Police (6 ABC)

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the video was posted Monday with no time stamp. The video featured a masked figure — speaking in a generic, computerized voice — who warned city police and Cumberland County prosecutors that they had "24 hours" to release the officers' names.

The short video warned if the demand was not met, the group would release the officers' names, along with their personal information. On Tuesday morning, the names of what were described as two of the officers and their home addresses were posted on a web site that has been used by hackers.

The video was posted nearly a week after the death of 32-year-old Vineland resident Phillip White. He died March 31 in an incident in which a police dog was used.

County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae told the newspaper her office was taking the video threat seriously but could not comment on its authenticity. She declined to say whether her office would release the names of the officers, or if they were facing any administrative action