Maryland Police Officer Caught on Video Pointing Gun at Civilian’s Head Convicted

A Maryland police officer was convicted for pointing a gun at a man's head.

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Complex Original

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A Maryland police officer who pointed a gun at a man's head last year has been convicted. Police released a cellphone video of the harrowing incident in which the officer is heard yelling, "I dare you to f****** fight me, son."

The May 2014 incident happened after officer Jenchesky Santiago of Prince George's County pulled up next to the victim William Cunningham and his cousin who were stationed outside of Cunningham's Bowie, MD home. According to Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks, Santiago asked the men why they were there after the men said Cunningham lived there. The officer then said they were parked illegally—that was proven false by prosecutors. Cunningham told the officer he'd leave the car and head inside (since he was being dropped off) but Santiago parked the patrol car and reportedly ran after Cunningham to his front door, pulling out his gun. 

Cunningham recalled the nightmarish incident saying, "I thought I was going to die right there," he said. "I just thought it was over." In the video Santiago is seen shoving Cunningham all the while shoving him telling him to get back in the car. Cunningham, who said he was "shocked" once the gun was aimed at his head stops for a moment in the video, facing Santiago who then aims the gun at his face. Cunningham and his cousin also told authorities Santiago said  "We're PG police, and we shoot people" but it was not caught on video.

Alsobrooks, who said Santiago had friends in the patrol car when the incident happened—which he wasn't authorized to do—thinks he was trying to "show off."

Santiago has been convicted of first-degree assault and misconduct in office. He will serve at least five years no parole, but could be sentenced to up to 45 years.

Cunningham, satisfied with the outcome, said he hopes officers can learn from this and advised people to report incidents like these just like he did. "If anytime you feel your rights are being violated, you should step up to the plate and say something," he said.

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