Ex-Houston cop says he didn't abuse teen suspect

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HOUSTON (AP) — An ex-Houston police officer has told jurors he used physical force against a black teenage burglary suspect only because he thought the teen might have a gun.

Drew Ryser testified in his Houston trial Thursday he did not abuse, assault or mistreat the teenager. The force Ryser used included hitting the teen in the head.

Ryser faces up to a year in jail if convicted of official oppression, a misdemeanor. He’s one of four officers fired and later indicted.

Security video from the March 2010 arrest appears to show several officers hitting 15-year-old Chad Holley.

Ryser told jurors he used his knee to hit Holley to try and handcuff him.

Prosecutors say Ryser failed to follow proper police procedures and kicked the suspect.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.