Alabama police officer who slammed down Indian grandfather indicted on civil rights charge.

[elleng]

Source: al.com

Federal charges have been filed against Eric Parker, the Madison police officer charged with misdemeanor assault after Sureshbhai Patel, an Indian citizen, was thrown to the ground during a sidewalk stop on the morning of Feb. 6.

U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance today said Parker was indicted for deprivation of rights under color of law. She said that includes the constitutional right to be free from "unreasonable force."

"Police officers are sworn to uphold the law and protect the public," said Vance in a prepared statement today. "The public must be able trust the police."

During a press conference in Birmingham, Vance said the federal charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. Parker, 26, also faces trial in Limestone County on April 29 on a charge of misdemeanor assault, which carries up to one year in jail.

Read more: http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/civil_rights_charges_filed_aga.html

[C Moon]

1. I was reading the comments at that link: you know it's bad when even those who support the police

agree that was way over the line.
I didn't watch the video, because it would have sickened me.

[7962]

8. I agree. I saw the same with the Eric Garner video

People I knew who didnt care about BRown and ferguson, watched that video and said "theres no excuse for that shit"

[niyad]

2. let me know when he actually ends up in jail. charges filed--about damned time.

however, the cynical side of me says this is meant as nothing more than a distraction, that the powers that be hope this will deflect people's attention. after a suitable time, the charges will be withdrawn.

[Comrade Grumpy]

3. That's probably too cynical by half.

I don't think federal prosecutors are that eager to cover up for a small-town Alabama cop.

[niyad]

4. sadly enough, the level of my cynicism has yet to be proven unfounded.

[valerief]

6. That seems like the likely, unfortunate scenario. nt

[alfredo]

5. My niece lives in Madison. I will see if she knows any of the people involved. She's

well known in her community through her work with the public.

[7962]

7. FINALLY!

[heaven05]

9. meanwhile............

[Cryptoad]

10. The Truth is,,,,

I bet if the officer had shot and killed the man,,, there would not have been any charges....

[awoke_in_2003]

11. "The public must be able trust the police."

And more and more people every day are starting to distrust them. Hell, even some of my white, republican coworkers are admitting that cops are going too far.