ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP/WCCO) — Two St. Paul police officers who were cleared of felony charges over allegations of police brutality could still be charged with misdemeanors.
St. Paul police have asked Minneapolis prosecutors to review allegations of police brutality against two officers after a videotaped arrest shows one of them kicking a man.
The YouTube video shows St. Paul police Officer Jesse Zilge kicking 30-year-old Eric Hightower once in the chest while trying to arrest Hightower last August. Another officer, Matthews Gorans, sprayed Mace into Hightower’s face and right ear to help get him into a squad car.
Last year, Olmsted County prosecutor Jim Martinson reviewed the case for possible felony charges. He declined to file charges, saying there was “insufficient proof” the officers used unreasonable force.
A St. Paul police spokesman tells Minnesota Public Radio the Minneapolis city attorney will review the incident for possible misdemeanor charges.
Meanwhile, a police internal affairs investigation continues.
