Hearing for current, former Boynton Beach officers accused of beating man

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – “There will be a trial” were the adamant words from the lawyer representing Boynton Beach Police Officer Michael Brown after a court hearing Wednesday.

The men attended a hearing related to federal charges stemming from their roles in the 2014 arrest of Byron Harris. Brown appeared in federal court along with Sergeant Philip Antico, and former Boynton Beach Officer Justin Harris. Former officer Ronald Ryan was not present.

Harris led police on a chase on August 20, 2014.  According to an arrest report at the time, Harris refused to stop, and at some point, allegedly hit and injured a police officer.

A video shows officers striking, kicking and using a stun gun on Harris.

The city of Boynton Beach settled an excessive force lawsuit with Harris in November, agreeing to pay him $600,000.

A tentative trial date has been set for mid-September. Prosecutors say there are over 5,000 pages of evidence and 40 hours of interviews with the FBI, including interviews with other Boynton Beach officers who were not involved.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply