Texas police officer who manhandled mother, daughter suspended 10 days without pay

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The Fort Worth police office who is seen on a viral cellphone videomanhandling a mother and her daughter after the mother called police to assist with an alleged assault, has been suspended.

The officer identified as Officer William Martin has been suspended 10 days without pay.

Fort Worth Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald announced the discipline Monday at a news conference.

The incident happened December 21st after Jacqueline Craig complained that a neighbor choked her 7-year-old son for littering. In the viral video, Officer William Martin forces Craig and her daughter to the ground and thrusts a stun gun into Craig’s back. Craig and her daughters were arrested on charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest.

According to reports, Martin was disciplined for neglect of duty, being discourteous to the public, conduct prejudicial to good order and violation of department rules, including excessive use of force and failing to thoroughly investigate.

Terry S. Daffron, an attorney representing Martin, said he does not agree with the department’s findings and will appeal the suspension.

S. Lee Merritt, an attorney for Craig, said the decision not to fire the officer is “intolerable”. Merritt posted a video to Facebook saying his clients are “understandably in disbelief.”

Merritt had asked that Martin be fired and charged. He had also asked that all charges against the Craig family be dropped. In addition, the reason why the police were called to the scene in the first place: that charges be filed against the neighbor accused of choking Craig’s 7-year-old son.