Prosecutors Recommend Dropping Charges Against UVA Student Injured in Arrest

Martese Johnson, a University of Virginia student
Martese Johnson, a University of Virginia student, was injured during his arrest in March 2015. Prosecutors in Charlottesville, Va., recommended charges against him be dropped Thursday. Photo courtesy Johnson's lawyer, Daniel Watkins/Facebook

Prosecutors Recommend Dropping Charges Against UVA Student Injured in Arrest

Martese Johnson, a University of Virginia student, was injured during his arrest in March 2015. Prosecutors in Charlottesville, Va., recommended charges against him be dropped Thursday. Photo courtesy Johnson's lawyer, Daniel Watkins/Facebook
Martese Johnson, a University of Virginia student, was injured during his arrest in March 2015. Prosecutors in Charlottesville, Va., recommended charges against him be dropped Thursday. Photo courtesy Johnson’s lawyer, Daniel Watkins/Facebook

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., June 11 (UPI) — Prosecutors in Charlottesville, Va., on Thursday recommended dropping charges against Martese Johnson, a University of Virginia student who was injured during his arrest in March.

Johnson, 20, sustained a head injury when he was arrested outside the Trinity Irish Pub by Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control officers. The incident was captured on video and the student’s supporters accused the ABC officers of unnecessary brutality when they wrestled him to the ground.

Johnson sustained an injury to his face requiring 10 stitches. After treatment at a hospital, he was arrested for trying to gain entry to the bar even though he was under the legal drinking age.

The Office of Commonwealth Attorney for the city of Charlottesville issued a news release Thursday saying it filed a request in Charlottesville General District Court to have Johnson’s pending misdemeanor charges dropped.

“Upon review of the evidence resulting from a thorough and independent criminal investigation conducted by the Virginia State Police, the commonwealth reached a conclusion that the interest of justice and the long term interest of the Charlottesville community are best served by using this case as an opportunity to engage ordinary citizens, law enforcement officers, and public officials in constructive dialogue concerning police and citizen relationships in a diverse community,” the release said. “In reaching this decision the commonwealth also found that the evidence did not warrant criminal charges against law enforcement officers who were involved in the events of March 18th.”

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