The Seattle police officer who punched a handcuffed woman in her face, fracturing the orbit of her right eye, will not face charges for his actions.
In fact, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced his office would not bring charges against Officer Adley Shepherd because he “acted professionally and with restraint,” adding that Shepherd’s actions did not amount to excessive force.
Since last week’s decision not to file charges, federal prosecutors say they will review the incident involving 23-year-old Miyekko Durden-Bosley. Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for acting U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes, said her office will look into the June 22 incident for a “possible federal criminal civil-rights violation” as well.
From the Seattle Times:
Durden-Bosley, 23, was intoxicated and was verbally abusive after her arrest outside the home of a Seattle man whose mother had called the police. Durden-Bosley swore at Shepherd and kicked at him while being shoved into the back of a police cruiser, according to the investigation.
Shepherd reacted by punching her once in the face, fracturing the orbit of her right eye. Shepherd suffered no visible injuries, according to court documents.
The decision not to charge Shepherd reveals a deep “difference of opinion” between City Attorney Pete Holmes and Satterberg’s office.
Holmes sent the case to Satterberg because the city attorney has no jurisdiction to prosecute felony crimes.
It now appears Shepherd will not be charged criminally unless the U.S. Attorney’s Office determines that his actions violate federal civil-rights criminal statutes. Such prosecutions are very rare and hard to prove.
Shepherd was placed on paid administrative after the incident, but according to his lawyer, Eric Makus, he is anxious to return to work. He still faces a review by the SPD’s Office of Professional Accountability and could be disciplined or fired, but will not face any jail time.
“He is pleased that he has been exonerated from any wrongdoing,” Makus said.
As for Durden-Bosley, she was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for her injuries. She spent four days in jail for assaulting a police officer. The case was eventually dismissed.
Watch the disturbing video below:
SOURCE: Seattle Times | VIDEO SOURCE: YouTube | PHOTO CREDIT: Handout
