An African-American man was stunned and pummeled by police officer for jaywalking.
An Asheville African-American man claims he was severely beaten and electrocuted by a white cop after returning home from work. The event took place on the 24th of August, immediately after the man got a warning for jaywalking from the police officer’s colleague.
Victim Claims He Was Cursed, Pummeled, and Stunned by Arresting Officer for Jaywalking
Johnnie Jermaine Rush recalled his encounter with Officer Chris Hickman and Verino Ruggiero, his colleague which took place on the night of the 24th of February.
Rush told the authorities that he was returning home from a 13-hour shift when he was approached by Ruggiero. The man declared that the police officer went up to him after he exited a store and crossed the street.
Ruggiero informed Rush that he was jaywalking and told him that he had two choices – either return home with a warning or spend the night behind bars. Rush, visibly tired after returning from his shift, told Ruggiero to do whatever he wishes but to leave him alone.
The conversation was overheard by Ruggiero’s colleague, Officer Christ Hickman, who approached the two men and ordered Rush to put his hands behind his back.
Rush admitted running when he heard Hickman. This where things took a turn for the worst. Hickman began spewing racial slurs and went after Rush. When he caught Rush, Hickman electrocuted him at least two times with his service stun gun and began punching him in the stomach and face.
The African-American man was later arrested and charged with assault on a police officer, obstructing an officer, resisting arrest, jaywalking, and trespassing.
However, on the 18th of September, the charges against Rush were dropped after the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office reviewed Hickman’s body cam which revealed that the officer overstepped his duties.
Following an SBI investigation, Hickman resigned, and will probably be charged later this year.
Image source: Wikipedia
