SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office is filing charges against Spokane Valley officer Sgt. Clay Hilton who’s accused of beating a man in a park last year.
MORE: ‘I literally thought I was dying’: Man suing SCSO recalls night he was beaten up by officer
Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic says Sgt. Hilton faces a 2nd-degree assault charge and making a false statement. Brusic says he believes Hilton will be arraigned near the end of the September.
Sgt. Hilton is accused of beating Kevin Hinton who was resting in his car in Spokane Valley. The incident was caught on Hilton’s body-worn camera.
Spokane Police investigated the excessive force incident and recommended charges to the Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office.
Upon hearing the decision to file charges, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said they are finalizing their internal investigation.
“We will provide an update once the internal investigation is complete, while ensuring Washington State employment law and all employee contract processes are followed,” SCSO said in a press release.
MORE: ‘Why did you hit me?’: Body cam footage sheds light on excessive force investigation
Hinton is suing Spokane County and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office alleging civil rights violations. Hinton suffered multiple broken ribs, lacerations, and a concussion among other injuries during the incident.
MORE: ‘Systemic failures’; Man beaten up during arrest sues sheriff’s office, Spokane County
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