Ex-Springfield officer convicted of beating suspect

 

By Associated Press
Tuesday, February 28, 2012  

 

CHICOPEE - A former Springfield police officer has been convicted of assault and battery for beating a man with a flashlight during a 2009 traffic stop.

The Republican reports that Jeffrey Asher was found guilty Tuesday afternoon in Chicopee District Court of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery.

The charges followed the arrest of Melvin Jones III, who was beaten unconscious, blinded in one eye and had broken bones and teeth.

Asher’s lawyer said his client thought Jones was reaching for another officer’s gun and reacted out of fear.

The prosecution said there was no evidence Jones had a weapon or reached for one. The arrest was caught on video.

Asher remains free on bail until a sentencing hearing March 28.