SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A former Bridgeton police officer has pleaded guilty to excessive force charges after he admitted in federal court to pepper-spraying a man in handcuffs twice during a traffic stop.
Authorities said John Grier III pulled over a man for suspected driving under the influence near the Riggins gas station along West Broad Street in Bridgeton in June 2017.
Court documents show Grier sprayed the handcuffed victim’s face as another officer was walking him to a police vehicle, then sprayed him again for no apparent reason.
According to the U.S. attorney for New Jersey, the victim was not resisting arrest or acting in a threatening manner. Officials said Grier violated that man’s civil rights with his use of excessive force.
The 51-year-old admitted that his use of a crowd control-sized can of pepper spray was unnecessary and unreasonable. He told the court that he violated his oath to serve and protect.
A civil rights violation comes with a maximum sentence of one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2024.