That day, Fitzgerald and a fellow officer had pursued 24-year-old Ryan Sanders, a motorcyclist who was evading arrest, into a local apartment complex. During the chase, Sanders crashed and was pinned under his motorcycle.
The second officer on scene reportedly told investigators Fitzgerald grabbed the suspect's head and repeatedly slammed it against a nearby curb. Fitzgerald denied the accusation, but was nevertheless charged with official oppression.
Fitzgerald has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of this case. If convicted, he could serve up to a year behind bars.
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