Ex-Hartford Cop in Excessive Force Probe Remains Free on Bond

A former Hartford police sergeant who is accused of stomping on the head of a handcuffed suspect was arraigned Wednesday on misdemeanor assault and breach of peace charges and he is due back in court in January. 

Sean Spell, who retired after the incident, made a brief court appearance on Wednesday and did not enter a plea.

He said in an incident report he used force on the suspect, Emilio Diaz, after he spit blood at Spell and didn't comply with orders. A lawyer for Diaz has denied that has client was spitting blood. 

He said in an incident report he used force on the suspect, Emilio Diaz, after he spit blood at Spell and didn't comply with orders. A lawyer for Diaz has denied that has client was spitting blood. 

In dashcam video linked to an investigation into possible excessive force, Spell is purportedly seen kicking a handcuffed man who was lying on the ground during the arrests of Ricardo Perez and Diaz, both of Hartford.

Perez and Diaz had to be hospitalized after the arrests and Hartford Police said they launched a preliminary investigation the next day when the suspects' bruised and cut faces appeared in mug shots and raised concerns in the department.

The mug shot of Perez showed a swollen eye and bandages, while the photo of Diaz showed a gash in his head. He needed five staples in his head and had abrasions to his back and right knee.

In June, attorney Corey Brinson filed notices on behalf of Perez and Diaz, alleging police used excessive force when arresting Diaz and said they were physically beaten and mentally traumatized.

Spell, who was part of the police department for 20 years, retired.

He is free on $1,000 bond and is due back in court on Jan. 18.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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