Prosecutor: Drop charges against UVA student bloodied during arrest
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Charlottesville has filed a request to drop charges against Martese Johnson, a University of Virginia student whose bloody arrest in March captured national attention, reports CBS affiliate WCAV.
Johnson, 20, was arrested by Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents March 18 after being denied entry to a bar. Agents were reportedly questioning him about use of a possible fake ID. He was charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice.
In a release, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office says it has reviewed evidence from a criminal investigation the Virginia State Police conducted.
The release stated, "The Commonwealth reached a conclusion that the interest of justice and the long-term interest of the Charlottesville community are best served by using this case as an opportunity to engage ordinary citizens, law enforcement officers and public officials in constructive dialogue concerning police and citizen relationships in a diverse community."
It's up to the court to formally rule on whether to drop the case against Johnson.
The prosecutor's release also said there will be no criminal charges against the agents who were involved in the arrest.
Images of Johnson with blood running down his face sparked public outcry and resulted in the law enforcement capabilities of ABC agents being put under review.