MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Duluth police officer, who was caught on surveillance video punching a 50-year-old man in a wheelchair last month, now faces two misdemeanor charges, authorities said Thursday.
Officer Richard Jouppi, 34, was charged with fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct after an investigation into the events of Sept. 21, the Duluth Police Department said. On that night, surveillance video caught Jouppi punching Anthony Jon Jackson five times in the head and dragging him out of his wheelchair at the Duluth Detoxification Center.
Jackson was allegedly intoxicated and had been involved in a fight earlier that night. The video initially shows Jackson standing, but then he’s seated while Jouppi tries to take his jacket off him. After a struggle, Jackson hits Jouppi, who then punches back several times.
The police department responded to the video by putting Jouppi on administrative leave for alleged use of excessive force. It was the fifth complaint filed against Jouppi during the two years he has been with Duluth Police.
Jouppi had just signed a “last chance” agreement with Duluth Police.
