Fired Inkster Cop Charged In Traffic Stop Beating Appears In Court

INKSTER (WWJ/AP) - A probable cause hearing was held Wednesday for a former police officer charged in the beating of a black motorist following a traffic stop in Inkster.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office says a May 28 preliminary examination was scheduled during Wednesday's hearing for William Melendez.

Footage from a police dashboard camera showed 57-year-old Floyd Dent of Detroit being pulled from his car in January and repeatedly punched and kicked in the face and head.

[VIDEO: Inkster Police Dashcam Violent Arrest Of Floyd Dent]

Prosecutors say they weren't aware of the beating until WDIV-TV aired the video and it subsequently went viral online,  drawing protests.

Melendez was fired last month and charged with misconduct mistreatment of a prisoner and one count of assault with intent to go great bodily harm less than murder.

Residents attending an Inkster City Council meeting last month called for the disciplining or dismissal of any officer who was present during the incident. Two other Inkster officers have been suspended.

Melendez, who is known by the nickname "Robocop", has denied any wrongdoing.

Police had claimed Dent refused to stop and had cocaine in the car; although Dent claimed police planted the drugs. All charges against Dent in connection with the incident have been droppe.d

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