HOUSTON (AP) — A former Houston police officer has told jurors he didn't mistreat a 15-year-old burglary suspect he is accused of beating during a 2010 arrest that was caught on security video.
Andrew Blomberg testified at his trial in Houston Friday that he never kicked the teenager's head or neck but used his foot only to secure the boy's arm.
Blomberg is charged with official oppression, a misdemeanor. He faces up to a year in jail if convicted.
The 29-year-old is the first of four fired police officers to stand trial for their roles in the alleged beating of Chad Holley.
In security camera footage of the March 2010 arrest, Holley, who is black, can be seen on the ground as officers appear to kick and hit his head, abdomen and legs.