Officer's Conviction Overturned in Student Beating

The conviction of a police officer who was caught on camera beating a University of Maryland student has been overturned by Judge Beverly Woodard without explanation.

The former Prince George’s County police officer was convicted for second-degree assault, according to WJLA. James Harrison was caught on camera, beating Jack McKenna, a University of Maryland student at the time, who was celebrating with other students after a men’s basketball victory over Duke on March 3, 2010.

McKenna told WJLA the decision to overturn the conviction is “frightening.”

“It sends a message that they (the police) can do whatever they want,” McKenna told the news outlet. “If they can get away with beating me up on national TV for doing nothing, it really makes me scared for what’s going to happen to those in a dark alley when the cameras aren’t shining.”

Harrison was able to retire with a full pension prior to his trial, according to WJLA. But with the conviction overturned and his record cleared, he could potentially return to work as a police officer.

>>Read the full article at WJLA.

>>>Jack McKenna speaking with WJLA. Credit: Screenshot from WJLA.

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