By ROBERT JABLON, The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -- A white police officer seen on videotape punching and slamming a handcuffed black teen against a car was described by a prosecutor as “angry” and “out of control” as closing arguments in his assault trial began Wednesday.
“What you see is a rag doll,” prosecutor Michael Kenneth Pettersen said in describing the arrest of Donovan Jackson last July. “There was absolutely no necessity for force.”
Inglewood Officer Jeremy Morse could face up to three years in prison if convicted. He was fired after the incident, which led to comparisons with the Rodney King beating.
Defense attorneys maintain that Jackson attacked officers, leading to a scuffle on the ground, after which he was handcuffed and hoisted to his feet. The defense also contends the teen had grabbed Morse’s groin.
Petterson said Jackson, 17, flailed as he struggled with up to five other officers because he was afraid. He offered “mighty” resistance, but he had been choked by a heavy silver chain he was wearing and did not resist when he was lifted and slammed by Morse, Pettersen said.
“This is street justice,” said Pettersen. “This was Mr. Morse’s intent - to show his authority and to punish an unresisting individual who had the audacity to struggle against him in his world.”