Police Officer Cleared of Charges After Subduing Intoxicated Person

A police officer who was sued for slapping an intoxicated individual during the process of subduing him has been cleared of all charges after nearly a year of investigation.

On the 27th, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutor's Office announced that it decided not to prosecute four police officers, including Officer A from the Guui Police Station in Gwangjin, who were accused of excessive force and abuse of power on the 23rd, due to insufficient evidence.

The incident dates back to July of last year. At that time, Officer A and other police officers were dispatched to a restaurant after receiving a report about an intoxicated person assaulting an unfamiliar individual.

While attempting to verify the identity of the intoxicated person, the officer was struck on the chin with a palm, and the intoxicated person threw a cell phone and a lighter. In the process of arresting the intoxicated individual on the grounds of obstructing official duties, Officer A slapped him.

The arrested intoxicated individual claimed that he did not resist but that the police used excessive force, subsequently filing a complaint against Officer A and three other officers for assault, abuse of power, and injuries under the Punishment of Violences Act.

After reviewing evidence such as on-site CCTV footage, the prosecutor's office determined that the actions of Officer A and others constituted a legitimate subduing action under police regulations.

Moreover, it concluded that the process of arresting the intoxicated person as a suspect in the act was carried out in accordance with proper legal procedures, and thus, no illegality was recognized.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the intoxicated individual involved in the incident has already been convicted of obstructing official duties.

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