A man who claims to have been beaten by a Spring Valley police officer spoke exclusively to News 12 today.
The alleged victim, 44-year-old Dominique Mesadieu, said that he can't walk well because of the incident. He also says he is suffering from scabs and sores as a result of the alleged assault.
A friend translated for Mesadieu because he speaks Creole. Both Mesadieu and the officer in the case are Haitian.
According to a criminal complaint, a fight ensued after Officer Ronnel Charles gave Mesadieu two tickets for having open containers of alcohol. The incident was captured on cellphone video.
Mesadieu also says that on the day after the incident, Officer Charles approached him, offered him $20 and urged him to see a doctor. Mesadieu says he refused.
The Spring Valley police chief calls the claim completely false, but has started his own investigation because he said he finds the ordeal troubling.
Mesadieu says he wants to press charges against the officer, but does not yet have a lawyer.