Categories: U.S.

Philadelphia officer acquitted of assault nearly 4 years after using baton on Floyd protester

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for February 14

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

A former Philadelphia police inspector has been acquitted of assault in the use of a baton during an encounter with a protester in a 2020 racial injustice demonstration.

Jurors acquitted 57-year-old Joseph Bologna on Wednesday of charges of simple assault and possessing an instrument of crime in the incident recorded on video during June 2020 protests on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway following the death of George Floyd, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Defense attorney Fortunato Perri Jr. told jurors during closing arguments that his client’s life over the past 3 1/2 years since his arrest had been a “nightmare.” He cited the city police code section saying use of force is justified when a person resists arrest or appears to threaten bodily harm. He also said Bologna’s choice to strike as the then-21-year-old Temple University student tried to intervene in another arrest was a “quick decision” in a “rapidly evolving” situation.

PHILADELPHIA POLICE CAPTURE MAN ACCUSED OF TAKING SUSPECT’S WEAPON AFTER SHOOTING

Perri said a medical examination found that the protester was never struck directly on the head with the baton. He said an internal affairs investigation found no evidence of departmental violations on the part of the officer.

Police officers and protesters clash in Philadelphia on May 30, 2020. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Bologna was fired after video of the encounter circulated widely on social media and other reports surfaced about his actions during the unrest.

The Inquirer reported that before deliberations began, prosecution and defense had agreed that testimony by the city medical examiner would have told jurors the person was struck with the baton on the upper back, not the head, and his bloody laceration came from the officer’s bike helmet.

Prosecutors argued that the use of force was not typical, pointing to testimony from a former Utah officer turned researcher and teacher who said the protester wasn’t in a position to harm the officer when he was struck.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Bologna was originally charged with multiple counts including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, but a judge in 2021 dismissed the charges. Another judge later reinstated the two counts on which Bologna was tried.

Share

Recent Posts

Iran recruiting children to attack Israeli targets across Europe amid setbacks: report

close Video Keane: Iran knows it's very vulnerable Fox News senior strategic analyst Gen. Jack…

2 hours ago

Trump announces model and philanthropist Somers Farkas, auto giant John Arrigo for ambassadorships

President-elect Trump has nominated Somers Farkas and John Arrigo for ambassadorships. If confirmed, Arrigo, Arrigo,…

2 hours ago

Sanctuary city New York pressured to make drastic change after illegal migrant allegedly burns woman alive

close Video Critics speculate why bystanders failed to save woman burning on NYC subway: 'Daniel…

4 hours ago

Biden’s rationale behind Christmas present for death row killers foggy at best: expert

close Video Biden ripped for death row pardons: 'Morally bankrupt' Fox News contributor Karl Rove…

4 hours ago

Idaho murders: Bryan Kohberger investigated for another home invasion prior to campus slayings

close Video Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted in students' murders, judge rules…

4 hours ago

Fox News Politics Newsletter: Biden Vetoes Bill to Beef Up the Bench

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition,…

4 hours ago