A former police officer from Venice, Illinois, has admitted to assaulting a handcuffed man following a police chase. Justin Gaither, 34, entered a guilty plea in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis for one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. This charge pertains to the right to be free from unreasonable force.
Gaither acknowledged that on November 20, 2022, while on duty with the Venice Police Department and in full uniform, he pursued a vehicle displaying stolen license plates. The pursuit involved the use of spike strips deployed by Gaither and continued over the McKinley Bridge into St. Louis. A Brooklyn (Illinois) Police Department officer joined the chase.
The pursuit concluded on Parnell Avenue in St. Louis when all occupants fled the vehicle. Gaither and the Brooklyn officer, along with a K9 unit, pursued the driver who was bitten while attempting to climb a fence and subsequently handcuffed by the Brooklyn officer. According to the plea agreement, as Gaither lifted the driver from the ground to escort him to a police vehicle, he unjustifiably struck him twice in the face without legitimate purpose, resulting in a broken nose for the driver.
Gaither is set for sentencing on May 2. The charge could result in up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The FBI conducted an investigation into this case with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug handling prosecution duties.
