Two Former Officers Acquitted In Assault Of Man In North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Two former Philadelphia police officers have been found not guilty in the assault of a North Philadelphia man in 2013.
A jury cleared former officers Kevin Robinson and Sean McKnight on Monday on all charges, including aggravated and simple assault, and conspiracy.
The charges stemmed from an incident three years ago when 21-year-old Najee Rivera was riding a scooter the wrong way on city streets. Attorney Brian McMonagle represented McKnight.
"I really think this jury worked real hard to bring justice to two good men, two men who sacrificed their community and gave up their careers to serve the people of Philadelphia," McMonagle said, "and this was the right verdict, it was the only verdict and it was a just verdict."
The prosecution had presented surveillance video which showed the beating. But the defense said that video supported their case.
"The jury saw the case for what it was. Two officers reacting to a dangerous situation created by Mister Rivera," said Attorney Fortunato Perry, who represented Robinson. "The evidence all along showed that they were reacting to that situation. We're very thrilled with the verdict obviously, it will enable these two young men to get back to doing what they do best, what they love, to protect and serve the people of Philadelphia."
The prosecution claimed the officers used excessive force in Rivera's arrest. But the defense attorney said the officers did everything by the book, and they are hoping to get their jobs back.
Rivera was shot and killed in an unrelated street fight four months ago.
