BALLWIN, Mo. (KMOX) - A St. Louis County grand jury has charged a former Ballwin police officer with assaulting a teen by pulling him out of his vehicle in an incident last year.
St. Louis County grand jury returned an indictment charging a former Ballwin police officer, Charles Thomas Lancey, 40. He allegedly pulled the 17-year-old out of his vehicle by his arm and clothing during a traffic stop on Aug. 20.
The extent of the injuries were not disclosed in a release by the St. Louis County Prosecutor's office.
"The conduct alleged in this case is unethical, unconstitutional and absolutely unnecessary," said St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. "Police are authorized to use the minimum force necessary in dealing with suspects. The conduct we allege goes well beyond the use of minimum force and is an assault; furthermore, we allege that the officer in question was in absolutely no danger whatsoever."
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Lancey is charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault, which comes with a punishment of up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000.
The case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and referred to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on June 28.
No trial date has yet been scheduled.
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