Former Baltimore Police Officer Sentenced For Assault

A former Baltimore police officer who resigned after he was seen on camera repeatedly punching a man in east Baltimore last August was sentenced Friday to nine months in jail.

Arthur Williams was convicted in June of second-degree assault. At the time of his resignation, Williams had been an officer for just over a year.

Prosecutors had asked a judge to give Williams one year behind bars. Williams' defense attorney immediately filed an appeal.

BREAKING: williams sentenced to 9 months incarceration starting immediately. Defense attorney immediately fired an appeal. https://t.co/3HUXPeLyrh — Kate Amara (@kateamaraWBAL) August 9, 2019

Victim Dashawn McGrier gave an impact statement and thanked everyone who helped "bring justice." He said he is still in pain, but "it's a relief to finally put this behind me."

Police last year said officers were working in the 2500 block of East Monument Street when Williams called McGrier over to his patrol car. McGrier asked repeatedly why he was being stopped. Williams grabbed McGrier's arm when he tried to walk away and demanded his identification. Williams said he wanted to write McGrier a "citizen contact receipt." Williams dismissed questions from McGrier and pushed him into a wall. McGrier put up his hand to stop Williams, but Williams repeatedly punched him in the face and head.

Williams claimed he saw McGrier possessing marijuana, but body camera video did not support that claim.

Like WBAL on Facebook Download the WBAL Smart Phone App ?

WBAL-TV 11's Kate Amara contributed to this report.