Boyle’s attorney, Evelyn Lewis, said she was glad to hear Neil had been charged.

“Officer Neil is dangerous,” Lewis said. “It was just a matter of time before he seriously hurt someone.

“Cops like him do not need to be on the street.”

Neil’s attorney, Brian Millikan, declined to comment.

Boyle said Friday his heart stopped when Lewis told him charges had been filed against Neil.

“I was thinking they would just let it slide because he is an officer,” Boyle said. “But I feel like justice is on my side.”

Sgt. Keith Barrett said the department does not comment on pending litigation, but confirmed Neil remains employed. He joined the force in 2017.

A summons has been issued for Neil’s arrest.

The alleged assault is just the latest in a string of misconduct cases for the St. Louis department. In recent months, Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner has charged almost a dozen officers with crimes, including assaults and stealing.