SC Trooper Heading To Court On Civil Rights Charge

A South Carolina trooper caught on video trying to run down a suspect is scheduled to be in court this week. Lance Cpl. Alexander Richardson is expected to appear before a federal judge on Tuesday.

AP
Published: April 28, 2009

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina trooper caught on video trying to run down a suspect is scheduled to be in court this week.

Lance Cpl. Alexander Richardson is expected to appear before a federal judge on Tuesday.

In January, Richardson was charged with violating civil rights by using excessive force. An April 2007 video shot from his patrol car dashboard camera shows the trooper chasing a black man through a Columbia apartment complex. He drives between buildings, on sidewalks and past onlookers, including a small child, in an attempt to run down the man.

Prosecutors recommended Richardson for a program that would allow him to perform community service instead of going to trial.

A provision of the deal would require Richardson to no longer work in law enforcement.