Black Soldier Says he Was Beaten by Milwaukee Police - On Break from Iraq
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A soldier who said he was beaten by Milwaukee police met with the district attorney Monday. Army Spc. Charles Griffin Jr. (pictured) said police threw him to the ground, handcuffed him and beat him last July. Police said they were called to the scene because Griffin was firing a gun in the air, and once they arrived, Griffin resisted arrest. Griffin said he has several scars, a gauge in his head and a fractured arm as a result of the alleged beating. Monday's meeting with the district attorney was more of an informational session. The Fire and Police Commission will decide at a later date whether charges should be filed against the officers involved. Griffin returned to active duty Monday shortly after his meeting with the district attorney. Griffin said he was out with friends when four plain-clothed detectives showed up. He said he tried to leave but was attacked by the officers, thrown to the ground and handcuffed before he knew what was happening. Griffin admitted he had been drinking with his friends; it was a final farewell before leaving the next day to return to his unit in Iraq. But he denied doing anything to interfere with the officers.[more]
