Video by Brendan Ponton/CNS-TV
COLLEGE PARK– Two Prince George’s County police officers have been indicted for their roles in the 2010 beating of a Maryland student, according to Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks. The officers, Reginald Baker and James Harrison, were both charged with one count of first degree assault, one count of second degree assault, and misconduct while in office.
Following the basketball game between Maryland and Duke on March 3, 2010, Maryland students celebrated the Terps’ upset victory in the streets of College Park. Prince George’s County police were waiting for the students on foot and horseback. About two dozen people, many of them students, were arrested. Among them was Maryland student John McKenna, who police said was resisting arrest.
A few days later a video surfaced which raised questions about what actually happened at the time of McKenna’s arrest. The story received national media attention when the video went viral. All charges against McKenna were later dropped.
“When there is evidence of potential wrongdoing by a police officer– it would never be appropriate for me to look the other way,” Alsobrooks said in a statement.
Prince George’s County police officers union president Vince Canales said the public shouldn’t rush to judgment in the case, and that the officers have had long careers in the force.
Added Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw in a statement: “The Prince George’s County Police Department respects today’s grand jury indictments and is committed to constitutional, professional and ethical policing.”
Both officers were members of the Special Operations Division. Both are currently on paid administrative leave, according to police.