ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – A Vermont police officer on Monday pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault.
St. Johnsbury Police Ofc. George Johnson, 44, of Lunenburg, is accused of assaulting a man who was allegedly jaywalking.
Vermont State Police investigated the case. They say it started when Johnson chased after a man who he says didn’t use a crosswalk when crossing the street back in May.
Investigators say body camera footage shows Johnson taking down the man using pepper spray, a Taser, striking the victim with a Taser and punching him.
One prosecutor called the body camera video “George Floyd concerning.”
Johnson told state police the man ignored his commands, resisted arrest and assaulted him.
The victim did face multiple charges but they were dismissed.
Court paperwork indicates Johnson was put on paid leave while the case was under investigation.
WCAX News asked about his job status now that charges have been filed. We had not yet heard back when this story was published.
Johnson has been with the St. Johnsbury Police Department for 13 years and was a use of force instructor.