LA MESA, Calif. (KGTV) -- A student shown in a video being thrown to the ground by a school resource officer at Helix High School during a disciplinary matter spoke out for the first time Tuesday.
A video recorded by students show 17-year-old Brianna Bell being thrown to the ground while in handcuffs at the school.
The incident was sparked after the officer was called to assist with the suspended student reportedly refusing to leave campus.
VIDEO: Officer tackles handcuffed 17-year-old student to ground at Helix HS
"The student became non-compliant on two separate occasions and made an attempt to free herself by pulling away from the officer," La Mesa Police Department officials wrote in a statement. "To prevent the student from escaping, the officer forced the student to the ground."
Following the incident, students staged a walkout and held protests.
RELATED: Students protest after video shows Helix High School student being thrown to the ground
Bell spoke alongside fellow student leaders. The news conference was held outside the San Diego Unified School district.
Watch the news conference in the player below:
