Charges dropped against Martese Johnson, student whose arrest sparked outrage

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Charges have been dropped against a University of Virginia student whose bloody arrest sparked a public uproar and a state police investigation...

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Charges have been dropped against a University of Virginia student whose bloody arrest sparked a public uproar and a state police investigation.

A Charlottesville General District Court dismissed two misdemeanor counts against charges against Martese Johnson on Friday at the request of a prosecutor.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Department agents arrested the 20-year-old Chicago native outside a bar March 18. The arrest received widespread attention with photos and videos on social media showing Johnson pinned to the ground, his face bloodied. Johnson, who is black, called the officers racist.

He was charged with public intoxication or swearing and obstruction of justice without force. He says the arrest was unjustified.

On Friday, Johnson said he was “ecstatic” the charges were dropped.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe ordered a state police investigation.

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