Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
International

US Cop Put On Trial For Slamming Down Indian Grandfather Sureshbhai Patel

Darpan News Desk IANS, 02 Sep, 2015 12:28 PM
    The trial of a former Alabama police officer who slammed down an Indian grandfather walking in his son's neighbourhood in February has begun with the first day spent in selection of the jury.
     
    Eric Parker, 26, is accused of using excessive force against an unarmed Sureshbhai Patel and charged with violating his civil rights.
     
    Patel, 57, arrived for court early, steadying himself on a walker as he slowly moved down the sidewalk outside the federal courthouse in Huntsville before the trial began Tuesday, according to local Al.com.
     
    "He's reached the max, in my opinion," said Chirag Patel of his father's recovery. He said his father has regained some independence. "He is able to get around and take care of himself."
     
    But Chirag Patel, an engineer in Madison, said his father has lost the ability to grip with his left hand and has learned to move around by dragging his left leg.
     
    On Feb 6, on a cold Friday morning in a quiet suburban lane in Madison, Parker and a trainee responded to a non-emergency call about a "skinny black guy" walking around near the homes.
     
     
    Parker and the trainee stopped and detained Patel, who was taking a morning walk in front of his son's home.
     
    Patel spoke no English and had arrived days earlier from India to help care for his new grandson.
     
    Dash cam footage shows Parker and another policeman approach Patel. Parker, while holding the older man's arms behind his back, is seen slamming Patel face-first into the ground and falling on top of him.
     
    He required emergency surgery to repair damage to his spine and remains partially paralysed.
     
    Parker, who was subsequently fired by the Madison Police Department, faces up to 10 years in prison on the federal charge if convicted.
     
    He also faces a misdemeanour assault charge in Limestone County, but that case has been put on hold pending the outcome of the federal trial.
     
    Prosecutors for the federal government and the defence attorney for police officer Eric Parker spent all of Tuesday instructing, organising and questioning 55 potential jurors.
     
     
    In the end, only four were dismissed, including one man who had difficulty hearing.
     
    The rest will return at 10 a.m. and opening statements could take place soon after on Wednesday.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Hillary Clinton Proposes $350 Billion Plan To Make College Affordable, Reduce Student Debt

    Calling for a "new college compact," Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday unveiled a $350 billion plan aimed at making college more affordable and reducing the crushing burden of student debt.

    Hillary Clinton Proposes $350 Billion Plan To Make College Affordable, Reduce Student Debt

    Protesters Target Oilsands Mine In Utah Under Construction By Calgary Firm

    Protesters Target Oilsands Mine In Utah Under Construction By Calgary Firm
    CALGARY — Dozens of protesters have disrupted work on an oilsands mine a Calgary-based company is building in Utah.

    Protesters Target Oilsands Mine In Utah Under Construction By Calgary Firm

    Meet Google's New CEO Sundar Pichai

    Meet Google's New CEO Sundar Pichai
    Chennai born, IIT Kharagpur-educated Sundar Pichai has become the head of a "slightly slimmed down Google"

    Meet Google's New CEO Sundar Pichai

    Indians In UAE Gear Up For Modi's Visit

    Indians In UAE Gear Up For Modi's Visit
    Thousands of Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are planning a grand public reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will be on a two-day official visit here this month, a media report said.

    Indians In UAE Gear Up For Modi's Visit

    Indian Solar Company To Help Create Jobs In Australia

    Indian Solar Company To Help Create Jobs In Australia
    A new entity, Heliostat South Australia, has been created to develop solar products, ABC News reported, adding that a memorandum of understanding has been signed to this effect.

    Indian Solar Company To Help Create Jobs In Australia

    Thousands Celebrate India Day Parade In New Jersey's Edison Town

    Thousands Celebrate India Day Parade In New Jersey's Edison Town
    Thousands of Indian expatriates came together in a US town for a jubilant parade ahead of India`s Independence Day celebrations on August 15, a media report said on Monday.

    Thousands Celebrate India Day Parade In New Jersey's Edison Town