Fired Williams Police Lieutenant John Romero has been indicted by a Grand Jury on 2 counts of Felony aggravated assault stemming from a violent arrest on October 20th, 2022 in which Romero allegedly slammed a handcuffed suspect to the ground causing serious injuries.
The Mohave County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution at the request of the Coconino County Attorney, but the charges were filed in Coconino County because that’s where the incident occurred.
A review of Romero’s actions by the former Williams police chief, and an outside agency cleared him of any wrongdoing.
New Williams Police Chief James Gregory reopened the case and fired Romero because of his involvement in the arrest. The Chief asked the Arizona Department of Public Safety to launch a new investigation into Romero’s actions.
City Manager Tim Petit said the investigation was reopened at the city’s request after additional information was discovered by the new police chief.
The victim, Brian Lopez was arrested for allegedly stealing a can of beer from a local gas station.
Shortly after an officer placed 49-year-old Lopez in handcuffs, the body camera video shows Lt. Romero’s hand appearing on Lopez’s back.
Romero then appears to shove the handcuffed man forcefully to the ground where he struck his head causing serious injury.
According to the police report, Romero attempted to justify his actions by saying that Lopez was resisting arrest.
Former officers involved in the arrest and the family of the injured man strongly disagreed with Romero’s statements.
Romero has plead not guilty to the charges at his arraignment earlier this week. If convicted of both charges, Romero could face many years in state prison.
ABC15 News report:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne1ZqDa7HNo
