Video Released of Convicted Cop Pointing Gun

»Screenshot and video courtesy of Prince George’s County Police

The behavior of a Prince George’s County Police officer who held a gun to a man’s head was called appalling by the police chief Wednesday after a jury convicted the embattled officer of assault.

Police Officer Jenchesky Santiago was convicted of first- and second-degree assault, misconduct in office and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.

The encounter outside a Bowie house occurred while he was on duty on May 10, 2014. Police released the cell phone video of Santiago recorded by a bystander after the guilty verdict.

A grand jury indicted Santiago in March 2015; he was then suspended without pay.

Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw on Wednesday condemned Santiago’s actions.

“The actions Officer Santiago chose to take that day are his alone. His behavior is flagrant, appalling and isolated. His actions are among the worst I’ve seen as Chief of Police and that will be taken into account when I make a decision about his employment,” Magaw said.

The video shows 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 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’s police powers were suspended on June 3, 2014. Maryland law requires Santiago have the right to appeal the outcome of the department’s administrative investigation. Following the final outcome of the administrative process, the findings will go to Chief Magaw, who will determine whether to fire Santiago.