From [HERE] A white Hartford Police Sergeant went before a judge on Friday, accused of kicking a handcuffed and subdued Latino man in the head. Sean Spell entered a not guilty plea during a brief court appearance. 

He is due back before a judge March 8. After the arrainment he was provided a State Police escort, taken out the side door and the car sped away at a high rate of speed.

A video recording showed Spell forcefully drop his foot on a suspect who was laying on the ground after a chase through Hartford and West Hartford. The incident took place in June. Severe facial injuries could be seen on the suspect and a second man arrested at the same time in booking photos. 30 other Hartford officers were involved in the pursuit and arrests of the men. 

Hartford Police began investigating Spell’s actions, who retired in August. Assault and breach of peace charges were filled last month.

Spell said he used a heel strike on the suspect because the man refused to stop spitting blood at officers.

Spell’s lawyer has said the video did not capture the entire incident.