A former police officer from Venice, Illinois, admitted to assaulting a handcuffed man after a police chase. Justin Gaither, 34, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which includes the right to be free from unreasonable force.
The incident occurred on November 20, 2022. Gaither was in full uniform and on duty with the Venice Police Department when he began pursuing a car displaying stolen license plates. The vehicle crossed spike strips set by Gaither and drove over the McKinley Bridge into St. Louis. A Brooklyn (Illinois) Police Department officer also joined the pursuit.
The chase concluded in the 3800 block of Parnell Avenue in St. Louis when all occupants fled from the vehicle. Gaither and the Brooklyn officer, accompanied by a K9 unit, chased down the driver who was bitten while attempting to climb a fence and subsequently handcuffed by the Brooklyn officer.
According to the plea agreement, as Gaither lifted the driver from the ground to escort him to a police vehicle, he struck him twice in the face without justification or legitimate purpose. This resulted in the driver sustaining a broken nose.
Gaither's sentencing is scheduled for May 2. The charge could result in up to ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The FBI conducted an investigation into this case with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug prosecuting.