An American police officer, accused of violently assaulting an unarmed 58-year-old Indian grandfather and leaving him partially paralysed, had no reason to think the latter may have committed a crime, a US court has heard.
(Sureshbhai) Patel was never “fleeing” and that police had no right “to shake him down for immigration papers,” assistant US Attorney Robert Posey told the Alabama federal court in Huntsville at the trial of former Alabama police officer Eric Parker, 26, who has been charged with violating the civil rights of 58-year-old Patel in February.
“Is there a language barrierIJ They had no reason to try to think of a crime he (Patel) may have committed,” Posey was quoted as saying by Al.Com news website.
On the third day of testimony, the defence called some police officers but each one told the jury that the front leg sweep and takedown of Patel did not violate the policy and training of the Madison Police Department.
“In that situation, I believe Officer Parker did what he had to do to adapt and overcome,” testified officer Russell Owens on Friday. Sergeant Nicholas McRee said that the use of a takedown is consistent with policy and training if a suspect pulls away.