Cop on Trial for Pointing Gun at Bowie Man's Head

A Prince George’s County Police officer’s trial on assault charges continued Tuesday for allegedly holding a gun to a man’s head outside his Bowie home as the resident sat in a car.

Police Officer Jenchesky Santiago was charged with first-degree assault and other misdemeanor charges for the encounter, which occurred while he was on duty on May 10, 2014. A grand jury indicted Santiago in March 2015; he was then suspended without pay.

WUSA TV reports a cell phone video showed Santiago’s interaction with driver William Cunningham, who had parked in front of his Bowie home. Santiago questioned Cunningham and a passenger about what they were doing there and said they were parked illegally, even though they had done so previously without issue.

Cunningham reportedly told Santiago he was dropping off his cousin and lived at the home. When the passenger got out of the car, Santiago allegedly blocked the path to the home and pulled out his gun, authorities said. He forced the man back to the vehicle with a gun to his head.

At one point, Santiago pointed the gun at the man’s mouth, prosecutors said. No injuries were reported in the case.

Cunningham was not arrested or charged with a crime. He testified Tuesday that he feared for his life and that Santiago acted aggressively. WTOP reports Cunningham has filed a civil lawsuit against Officer Santiago.

The defense argued that Santiago violated department policy and should not be a police officer, but his attorney maintains Cunningham defied the officer’s orders, had an attitude and even dared Santiago to fight him at one point.

Santiago is expected to testify on Wednesay.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division launched an investigation after learning of the incident. Santiago’s police powers were suspended on June 3, 2014.

Police Chief Mark Magaw issued this statement following the grand jury indictment: “We do not train our officers in this manner. These actions are not indicative of the high standards we expect of our officers. Our department remains, as always, committed to constitutional, ethical and professional policing.”