Caught on a police dash cam video repeatedly kicking a suspect who had already surrendered, a Missouri police officer was recently charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. After an internal investigation was launched at his department, the officer resigned and immediately joined another police department.
On April 14, 2019, Woodson Terrance Police Officer David Maas was involved in a high-speed pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle. According to police dash cam video, the chase ended as Isaiah Forman exited the car with his open hands in the air as he began to kneel in surrender when Maas knocked him to the ground before kicking Forman in the torso and head.
In so doing, Maas kicked and struck the victim while Forman was compliant and not posing a physical threat to anyone. This offense resulted in bodily injury to Forman.
As the Woodson Terrance Police Department launched an internal investigation into Maas’ actions, Maas resigned from the department. He was later hired at the Breckenridge Hills Police Department.
On Thursday, a federal grand jury indicted Maas on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
“Law enforcement officers take an oath to serve and protect the public,” stated Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “When an officer betrays that oath, and instead uses his or her position to violate a person’s constitutional rights, that officer must be held accountable. Our community, and our profession, deserve no less.”
If convicted, Maas could face a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
COMMENTS