ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The trial of a former Albuquerque police officer accused of beating a surrendering suspect and firing a stun gun at another has begun. The Albuquerque Journal reports that lawyers gave opening statement Monday in the case involving Connor Rice, who was fired earlier this year.
Prosecutors say Rice jumped on a suspect who had surrendered and delivered the blows to the 20-year-old in May 2012. A video shows a second officer put his foot on the suspect's face while Rice punched the man three times in face. But Zach Ives, Rice's attorney, said the suspects created the situation.
Rice is charged with two misdemeanors, battery and aggravated battery. The case came as Albuquerque police faced calls for a U.S. Justice Department probe into allegation of excessive force. The federal department launched an investigation shortly after.
