TheGrio has launched a special series called #BlackonBlue to examine the relationship between law enforcement and African-Americans. Our reporters and videographers will investigate police brutality and corruption while also exploring local and national efforts to improve policing in our communities. Join the conversation, or share your own story, using the hashtag #BlackonBlue.
The former Baltimore police officer caught on video beating a man has been indicted by a grand jury on first- and second-degree assault and misconduct in office charges, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Tuesday.
Officer Arthur Williams was seen in viral video repeatedly beating a man Saturday until he was bloody, has resigned from his job.
Interim Police Commissioner Gary Tuggle announced on Twitter Sunday that the unnamed police officer stepped down and he has accepted the officer’s resignation. He confirmed that there was an “active criminal investigation” into the brutal beating of 26-year-old Dashawn McGrier.
The incident occurred in East Baltimore on Saturday, the Baltimore Sun reported. A bystander recorded the brutal assault and uploaded the clip to social media.
This Baltimore Police Officer needs to be fired immediately & charged w/ assault. Laws regarding assault still apply to police. This isn’t MMA. Completely shameful. None of that was necessary.
We aren’t asking the city to suspend this man. He needs to be terminated and charged. pic.twitter.com/fCNdEcU2JO
— Shaun King (@shaunking) August 11, 2018
The victim, McGrier, was reportedly stopped by the officer, identified by his attorney as Arthur Williams, and an argument ensued after Williams initially let McGrier go before coming back and demanding to see identification.
“When he was asked for his identification, the situation escalated when he refused,” the police department said. “The police officer then struck the man several times.”
McGrier can be seen in the graphic video bleeding profusely on the ground. Williams’ unnamed partner—who was placed on administrative duty—seemed to only offer a half-hearted attempt to stop the assault.
Williams reportedly graduated from the Baltimore Police training academy in April.
McGrier reportedly suffered fractures of the nose and jaw and ribs from the beating.
Mayor Catherine Pugh weighed in after the video became public and said the incident was “disturbing.” And she “demanded answers and accountability.”
“We are working day and night to bring about a new era of community-based, Constitutional policing and will not be deterred by this or any other instance that threatens our efforts to re-establish the trust of all citizens in the Baltimore Police Department,” the mayor said.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the city entered into a federal consent decree in 2017 after the U.S. Justice Department found officers routinely violated people’s constitutional rights.