NJ Police Officer Cleared In K9 Attack Case: Reports

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A federal jury acquitted an Atlantic City police officer on charges that arose after his K9 partner attacked a man during an arrest, reports say.

Officer Sterling Wheaten was charged with a civil rights violation and records falsification. Colleagues and supporters cheered when the verdict was read, NJ.com reported. He told them he was thankful for their support as he met them outside the courtroom, according to NJ.com.

In 2013, Wheaten released his police K9, Hagan, on David Castellani near the Tropicana Hotel and Casino with no warning.

Several other officers were struggling with Castellani, who was resisting arrest. The Linwood resident admitted he had been kicked out of the casino for underage drinking and was drunk, the Associated Press reported

Castellani, who was 20 at the time, had wounds on his head, chest, and neck, according to the Associated Press.

Federal prosecutors said Wheaten should have considered other options before using force, according to the AP.

Castellani settled a separate $3 million lawsuit against the city and several officers, the Associated Press reported.