Vermont police officer accused of using excessive force while arresting man – NECN

A Vermont police officer is accused of using excessive force during the arrest of a man in St. Johnsbury three months ago.

St. Johnsbury Police Sergeant George Johnson “lacked sufficient probable cause” to stop John Stelzl on May 10 as he was traveling near the Honking Bridge on Bay Street, Vermont State Police said.

Johnson, 44, then used excessive force in a physical altercation with Stelzl, 35, police said. The man was taken to the hospital and treated for significant injuries. He was later released.

Stelzl was originally charged with several violations related to the incident, but the Caledonia County District Attorney's Office later dropped the case after reviewing footage from Johnson's body camera, police said.

The case was then referred to the Vermont State Police, who served Johnson with a subpoena through his attorney on Wednesday. He was charged with aggravated assault.

Johnson, 44, is scheduled to go on trial on September 9 in the criminal division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Johnsbury.

No further information about the incident was released.