Delaware police officer charged with assault
Cpl. Thomas West faces assault charges. He's accused of kicking a suspect and breaking the man's jaw. (photo courtesy Dover Police)
The attorney for a Dover police officer is blasting prosecutors’ efforts to continue to pursue assault charges against him after a grand jury declined last year to indict him.
Cpl. Thomas Webster was arrested and released on bond Monday after a second grand jury indicted him on assault. Webster was placed on leave in 2013 after reportedly kicking Lateef Dickerson, a suspect in a fight, breaking his jaw and rendering him unconscious.
But a grand jury declined to indict Webster in March 2014, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office found no civil rights violation. The ACLU subsequently sued Dover police on Dickerson’s behalf.
A spokesman for Attorney General Matt Denn says Denn, who took office in January, reviewed the case and thought it should be presented to a grand jury again.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Delaware faces persistent health disparities, particularly for Black maternal health
Health disparities for Black maternity remain a challenge in Delaware. Advocates say the problem stems from systemic racism, implicit bias and injustice.
3 hours ago
Listen 1:32
Jasdomin Santana champions diversity in children's literature by incorporating Dominican culture into her storytelling.
3 days ago
Listen 1:18
White House forum showcases federal dollars working in Delaware
President Biden addressed the Delaware delegation at the beginning of the event in what White House personnel said was a surprise visit.
6 days ago
Listen 2:08