Patel is still recovering from his injuries.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: A former Alabama police officer pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of violating the rights of an elderly Indian man during a startlingly one-sided, inordinately violent confrontation that took place earlier this year.
Eric Sloan Parker, 26, is being charged with using unreasonable force against 57-year-old Sureshbhai Patel in February, according to CBS News.
The attack occurred on February 6 when Patel, who had just arrived in the United States to help care for his young grandson and held his son and daughter-in-law, , was stopped while he was on a walk close to his house, by two police officers, who stated they were responding to a call about a suspicious person in the neighborhood.
“He’s a skinny black guy. He’s got a toboggan on,” said the unidentified male caller, according to the Associated Press.
When Patel, who does not speak English, was unable to coherently respond to questioning, Parker proceeded to slam him face first into the ground less than half a minute after the exchange began.
Patel’s lawyer said he is still recovering from injuries, including partial paralysis. A separate civil lawsuit filed by Patel over the incident is on hold while the criminal charges are resolved.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley previously apologized to the Indian government for the treatment of Patel, calling it a case of “excessive force.” The police chief of Madison has also apologized for the tribulations endured by the feeble grandfather.
“Police officers are sworn to uphold the law and protect the public. The public must be able to trust the police,” U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance stated after Parker was arraigned by a grand jury last month. “Law enforcement officers who violate their oath to protect and use excessive force must be brought to justice.”