LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Attorney General’s office is expected to authorize charges against a former police officer from Van Buren County. WOOD-TV reports 30-year-old Matthew Mistretta, a former officer with the Hartford Police Department, is expected to face two misdemeanor assault charges related to his conduct during an arrest in August of 2020.
Authorities had responded to a domestic disturbance in Hartford Township, which left one person dead who was pinned between a car and a light post. The driver of the vehicle, 21-year-old Lauro Espino, was later pulled over and arrested by officer Mistretta. A video surfaced that appeared to show him using aggressive tactics, including kneeling on Espino, after he was already handcuffed.
An investigation was launched by the Michigan State Police late last year. The Hartford Police Department fired Mistretta during those investigations.
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