Miami-Dade Police Director Robert Parker on Friday, rejecting criticism from the police union, maintained that the blows delivered by two officers on a surrendering suspect appeared ``inappropriate.''

''Their actions did not appear consistent with police procedure,'' Parker said in a round of interviews with reporters.

His remarks came one day after the Police Benevolent Association blasted the department for ''prematurely'' saying the officers acted out of line.

The controversy began Wednesday after a convicted felon named Angel Soto, 36, led officers on a high-speed chase through West Miami-Dade broadcast on local television stations.

Soto's gold Volvo matched the description of one used in a carjacking the night before, Parker said.

Soto refused to stop, leading patrol cars on a dangerous chase that at one point veered into oncoming traffic.

Parker defended the pursuit, saying police believed the suspect could have endangered citizens had he been been involved in the carjacking.

Investigators later determined Soto was not involved in the carjacking. Soto told police he refused to stop because he had a suspended license.

After Soto crashed at a federal customs office parking lot, he bolted from the car and surrendered after diving into a patch of grass.

As helicopters hovered overhead with television cameras rolling, one officer was seen holding the prone man down for several seconds.

But a second one, identified as Frank Morales, ran in and delivered several punches to the man's torso, and later some kicks.

A third unidentified officer also ran and landed several kicks. Soto is charged with fleeing and eluding an officer.

Parker immediately ordered Morales and the other officer who kicked relieved of duty with pay. Internal affairs launched an investigation.

''Common sense, in layman's terms, if the individual stops fighting, you simply put him into custody, put him into handcuffs and walk him back to the car,'' said Parker, who stressed the internal investigation is still ongoing.

The department's media relations department immediately said the blows appeared ``inappropriate.''

That drew the ire of union President John Rivera, who held a press conference Thursday to blast the department's handling of the case.

''If they've already made up their minds, why do any investigation?'' Rivera repeated Friday.

He stressed that Soto was a violent criminal who ``endangered the lives of many people in this community.''