Vermont police officer facing charge of aggravated assault during arrest

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont police officer is facing a charge of aggravated assault for his use of force while attempting to arrest a man during an altercation in St. Johnsbury in May, state police said.

St. Johnsbury police Sgt. George Johnson did not have sufficient cause to stop John Stelzl, 35, who was walking on a street near a bridge on May 10, state police said. A physical altercation ensued and Johnson used excessive force on Stelzl, who was taken to the hospital for treatment of significant injuries, state police said. Stelzl was later released from the hospital, police said.

Police did not provide any details on the type of force allegedly used or Stelzl’s injuries.

Stelzl originally was charged with multiple violations. The Caledonia County prosecutor’s office dismissed the charges after a review of Johnson’s body camera footage, police said.

Caledonia County State’s Attorney Jessica Zaleski told the St. Johnsbury’s police chief that she was concerned about Johnson’s use of force, state police said. The chief referred the case to the Vermont State Police for an independent investigation.

Zaleski recused herself and asked the Grand Isle County state’s attorney to review the matter for criminal charges. Johnson was issued a citation through his attorney on Wednesday, police said. He is scheduled to be arraigned next month.

His attorney said Thursday that she had no comment on the case.

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