Cop Accused Of Punching Suspect Charged With Assault

DENVER, CO – A Denver police officer was formally charged with the alleged assault of a suspect in custody, the Denver District Attorney's Office said today.

Denver Police Corporal Michael Oestman, 37, was charged with third-degree assault stemming from an incident that occurred last month at Jackson’s Sports Bar in Denver, according to officials.

While working off-duty as a Denver police officer on April 14 at Jackson's, Oestman reportedly detained a suspect involved in a fight inside the bar at 1520 20th St. and placed him in a chair with his hands handcuffed behind his back, the agency said.

"For several minutes the suspect berated and insulted Corporal Oestman and then spit on Oestman’s face," the DA's office said. "Oestman responded by allegedly kneeing the suspect in the chest and punching him in the face."

The victim was transported to Denver Health where he was treated for facial cuts, officials said.

Investigators from the Denver Police Department initiated an investigation into the use-of-force incident, and Denver District Attorney Beth McCann on May 3 formally charged Oestman for the alleged assault.

Oestman is to appear June 4 at 8 a.m. in Denver County Courtroom 4C for arraignment.

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--Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch