City of Newburgh residents are calling for more transparency and police oversight after a man was seen on witness video being beaten while tased by officers during an arrest last month.

Several people spoke out during a City Council meeting Monday night.

“I am here demanding justice for Marquis Freeman,” one woman in attendance said. “One wrong punch in the head and Marquis could’ve been dead and then what would’ve happened?”

The incident is under review by an outside investigator and the attorney general’s office while the main officer involved is suspended, according to city officials.

Local activists, including Ali Muhammad, a member of Newburgh’s Police Community Relations and Review Board, say it’s not enough.

“It’s been almost six weeks since Marquis was assaulted. We saw the video. I need updates. People need updates,” says Muhammad. “We don’t know what’s going on. I don’t want to keep hearing that this is an independent investigation or the AG has it.”

According to court records, Freeman refused to step out of the road and threatened a male officer during the incident while police were responding to a disorderly conduct call. Freeman is also accused of repeatedly spitting in a female officer face following his arrest. He was arrested twice in August on several misdemeanors and violations and released on an appearance ticket.

Freeman is seen on the video being repeatedly punched to the ground and while he appears to be subdued while being tased.

Newburgh’s current police review board oversees complaints from the public. Muhammad says an independent agency is needed to conduct investigations and enhance community trust.

News 12 reached out to city officials for more information about the case and to confirm if an independent police review board is being considered, but didn’t immediately receive a response.