Indianz.Com
Trial of police officer begins
DECEMBER 15, 2000 The trial of a Lake Andes, South Dakota, police officer accused of assaulting an American Indian boy began on Thursday. Michael Atwood is charged only with simple assault for the July 4 incident. His lawyer said he choked 12-year-old Ben Cournoyer because Cournoyer got "lippy." Police Chief R.G. Swatos testified Atwood told him the same. If convicted, Atwood faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. He is still working for the department. Get the Story:
'He grabbed me around neck' (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 12/15) Related Stories:
Officer to face trial (The Talking Circle 08/11)
Protesters march against police (The Talking Circle 07/13)