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Ex-Inkster Cop Who Beat Driver 16 Times Won't Testify

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit-area police officer charged with assault in the bloody beating of an unarmed driver has decided not to testify.

William Melendez mug
William Melendez (credit: Michigan State Police)

William Melendez' attorney rested the defense side of the case Thursday. Wayne County Judge Vonda Evans told jurors that Melendez' decision to remain silent can't be used against him.

Melendez is charged with assault and misconduct in office for punching Floyd Dent 16 times in the head last January in Inkster, a Detroit suburb. Other officers said Dent was resisting.

The incident wasn't publicly known for weeks until WDIV-TV aired dashcam video. Inkster fired Melendez and quickly agreed to pay $1.4 million to Dent.

In March, the victim Floyd Dent, 57, spoke with WWJ about the stop by police:

"I put my arms outside the door – an officer ran up to me with his gun and told me 'get out of the car or I'll blow your brains out.' Then somebody grabbed me – I don't know which one grabbed me – grabbed me and threw me on the ground. First he told me 'get on the ground' then they just snatched me – threw me on the ground and started beating me," described Dent.

The trial will resume Tuesday with a visit to where the beating occurred. Closing arguments are Wednesday.

 

© TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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