Another cop was criminally charged after his lies were exposed by video.
Indianapolis Metropolitan police officer Robert Lawson claimed that he struck a 17-year-old high school student last month because the boy had raised his fist and was about to punch him. He even claimed another cop watched him do so.
But the video showed the boy did no such thing and the other cop denied observing the boy swing at the cop.
On Monday, Lawson was charged with misdemeanor battery and false informing as well as felony obstruction of justice, perjury and official misconduct, according to the Indianapolis Star.
According to a press release from (Marion County Prosecutor Terry) Curry’s office, official documents allegedly prepared and signed by Lawson on the day of the incident state that Lawson threw an open hand palm strike in fear that the 17-year-old was about to hit him.
Lawson said the palm strike was successful, and that officers were able to cuff the student without further force, according to a probable-cause affidavit in the case.
“These statements are believed to be false and contrary to video evidence which appears to show Officer Lawson striking the juvenile with a closed fist and continuing to use force including a knee strike to the juvenile’s abdomen or chest area,” said the prosecutor’s office’s press release.
Curry said at a press conference Monday afternoon that charges relating to the incident probably could not have been made without the video.
The incident took place August 29 outside a high school where police had been called to break up a fight between male students.
The 17-year-old boy whose name has not been publicized was being escorted off the school grounds by police when the video begins. The boy was said to have been involved in the fight. His aunt is there and is arguing with the cops.
Lawson then threatens to arrest her which was when the boy stood in front of her with his arms by his side which the cop perceived as a threat.
Or more likely, he just didn’t appreciate the boy preventing him from arresting his aunt so he struck him, figuring he would get away with it as cops do daily.
But not only was the boy’s cousin recording from up close, somebody else was recording from across the street. The second video shows the boy’s aunt was walking off the property, following the cop’s orders when he punched the teen.
The boy’s family has filed a lawsuit and the cop is expected to turn himself in today. He is also expected to be fired.
Watch the video above which contains the two unedited clips that led to criminal charges against the cop as well as the news segment below that includes edited clips from both videos.
