Philadelphia Police Officer Arrested On Assault Charges
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A Philadelphia police officer has been arrested after an investigation stemming from the 2011 Puerto Rican Day Festival.
On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, Officer Aquil Byrd was arrested on allegations of physical and verbal abuse.
The investigation was launched following a complaint from a citizen about the September 25, 2011 incident at the Puerto Rican Day Festival on the 3000 block of N Front Street.
During the festivities, officers were called to clear a large crowd, when the supposed victim was struck by the officer once in the face and then grabbed by the throat.
Officer Byrd was removed from street duty and placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officer Byrd, a 12-year veteran who was last assigned to the Narcotics Strike Force, has been charged with Simple Assault and Official Oppression, both 2nd degree misdemeanors.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsay has suspended Byrd for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.
