No Criminal Wrongdoing Found in Case of Officer Who Hit Handcuffed Man

The State's Attorney for Prince George's County has found "no apparent criminal wrongdoing" from an August case in which a Laurel Police officer struck a handcuffed man, according to a statement from the City of Laurel.

The incident occurred on Aug. 5 around 2 a.m. as police responded to a report of a fight at Laurel Station Bar and Grill (14933 Baltimore Ave.).

In a cellphone video captured by an eyewitness, one officer—later identified in court documents as Pfc. J. Diaz-Chavarria—appears to hit a man outside the bar after he is already restrained.

The case drew sharp criticism and allegations of brutality. D'Ante Williams, the man who was hit, filed a $3 milion lawsuit against the City of Laurel accusing police of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. 

The Prince George’s County chapter of the NAACP also said it would ask the Department of Justice to investigate the LPD over an alleged pattern of excessive force.

But according to city officials, the state's attorney has informed Police Chief Richard McLaughlin that it did not find any criminal wrongdoing in the case.

Laurel spokesman Pete Piringer said McLaughlin was "pleased that the officer was afforded the due process of the judicial system in this case."

A three-and-a-half-year veteran of the force, Diaz-Chavarria "was placed on 'limited public contact' status prior to, and during, the criminal review related to the incident," officials said.

An internal investigation by the LPD is still ongoing.