PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Maryland - July 1, 2009 - The district attorney in Prince George County is considering filing charges against an officer after dash-cam video shows the officer punching a suspect who was hesitant to get out of his car during a traffic stop.

The Washington Post reported:

Prince George’s County police are reviewing the actions of an officer who arrested a motorist on charges of slugging and tackling him during a traffic stop in Hyattsville. A police video of the encounter last year shows the officer yanking the man out of his car, slugging him twice and tackling him.

“Step out of the car now, or I’ll have you out of the car,” Cpl. Steven Jackson says after the motorist does not comply with three rapid-fire demands to exit the car.

“Your yelling, but you have to give me a reason to step out of the car,” Shawn M. Leake, 24, replies.

Jackson opens the driver’s side door and pulls Leake out of the car. Almost immediately, Jackson makes a fist and slugs Leake in the face, then quickly slugs him again in the face, the video shows. Leake does not hit or appear to try to punch Jackson.

Call the Prince George County District Attorney and voice your concern. Let him know that you want to see this public servant prosecuted for his criminal actions. Remind him that our country is based on freedom, and that all people, especially those with the public trust, must be strictly held to the Rule of Law.

Prince George County
District Attorney Glenn Ivey
301-952-3500

Communications Officer Ramon Kornieoff
301-952-3675