‘They Are Notoriously Difficult to Prosecute’

Officers in Texas have cleared the fees in opposition to two cops concerned in a controversial encounter the place they beat and used a Taser on a Black man about 5 years in the past. 

Baytown Police Officers Samuel Serrett and Teddy Sims have been charged with aggravated assaulting Kedric Crawford in 2019. The Harris County District Legal professional’s Workplace mentioned their prices have been dismissed after they accomplished a pre-trial diversion program, KTRK reported. Nonetheless, each are barred from working as officers within the state and handed of their licenses to the Texas Fee of Legislation Enforcement.

“We have now sympathy for the sufferer on this case. They’re notoriously troublesome to prosecute,” the workplace informed the outlet in a press release. “It’s vital to notice that as the results of our investigation, these males won’t ever once more be allowed to put on a badge or shame the uniform of a Texas legislation enforcement officer.”

A detention officer who was additionally current, recognized as Shane Dunlap, was charged with aggravated assault with a lethal weapon and has an upcoming trial date in March, in accordance with Houston Public Media. The 26-year-old is accused of urgent his arm on Crawford’s neck throughout the incident.

In July 2019, the officers approached Crawford’s automobile as he was within the parking zone of an H-E-B grocery retailer. Upon arrival, the officers questioned Crawford, who agreed to permit them to look the automobile. Crawford repeatedly requested them what was taking place, and an officer may very well be heard saying that they didn’t discover something, as physique digicam footage reveals.

“I’ve acquired insurance coverage and every part,” Crawford mentioned. “What’s happening?”

Out of the blue, the officer ordered Crawford to place his palms behind his again and tried to handcuff him. A battle ensued, and the officers slammed him to the bottom. 

“What’s happening?” Crawford questioned. “I don’t know what’s happening.”

The officer ordered him to place his palms behind his again or he would use the Taser. Crawford is seen screaming whereas the officers surprised him a number of occasions whereas pinned to the bottom. “Please don’t kill me,” he mentioned.

Crawford was finally taken into custody and suffered extreme accidents to his face, together with swollen eyes and bruising, as proven in his reserving photograph obtained by KTRK. He was reportedly charged with assaulting an officer, but it surely was later dropped. 

Following the announcement about dismissing the fees in opposition to Serrett and Sims, Crawford brazenly expressed his frustration and the way his view of legislation enforcement has shifted. 

“I really feel worse than the evening it truly occurred,” Crawford mentioned to the information station. “It appears as in the event that they acquired a greater deal than I did.”