Prosecutor drops charges against handcuffed, beaten man

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee prosecutor says authorities have dismissed charges stemming from the arrest of a black man who was beaten by a white officer while handcuffed earlier this month.

News outlets report prosecutor Alan Dunn announced Tuesday the state’s decision to drop charges of assault, resisting arrest and tampering with evidence against 25-year-old Charles Toney.

An attorney for Toney has said hospital records show his client suffered a collapsed lung and fractured ribs, nose and a finger during his arrest on an outstanding warrant Dec. 3.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has said medical staff who checked Toney after his arrest found none of those injuries.

Video taken by a bystander shows Hamilton County detective Blake Kilpatrick punching and kicking Toney while he’s handcuffed and on the ground. The U.S. Justice Department is investigating.