Mar. 11, 2021 6:30p
(WGTD)---A finalist for the position of Racine police chief was acquitted of a battery charge nearly three decades ago in an excessive-use-of-force case that might’ve been among the first to rely on video shot by a citizen.
According to an Associated Press story dated May 19th, 1994, Alexander Ramirez, as a 30-year-old Milwaukee police officer, kicked a shooting suspect in the groin after he’d been arrested and was laying on the ground surrounded by police. The arrest was videotaped by a neighbor across the street.
Ramirez testified at the time that he never meant to hurt the 17-year-old, and that seconds earlier the teen had tried to grab an officer’s gun.
Ramirez was acquitted of the charge after a two-day bench trial.
Ramirez currently serves as an inspector in the Milwaukee department.
He’s one of two finalists for the top job in the Racine Police Department.
The Racine Police and Fire Commission may decide as early as Saturday. A 90-minute, virtual q-and-a session open to the public is scheduled to begin at 8:30. Then the commission is expected to go into closed session.
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