UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A Prince George’s County Police officer was sentenced to 10 years in jail with all suspended but one year, in relation to a 2019 assault while on duty.
In May, a judge found sergeant Bryant Strong guilty of second degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office for assaulting Demonte Ward-Blake while handcuffed behind his back.
The assault reportedly left Ward-Blake paralyzed from the chest down.
On October 17, 2019, another officer pulled Ward-Blake over in Oxon Hill for displaying expired tags on a vehicle.
During the stop, Ward-Blake became agitated prompting the officer to call for backup.
Strong was one of the backup units who responded.
Ward-Blake was eventually placed under arrest, when Strong began to search him.
At some point, Ward-Blake turned back towards Strong who in turn took him to the ground.
Prosecutors said that fall caused Ward-Blake serious injuries including paralysis.
“Officers are expected to protect the public; however, when they don’t and their actions cause harm, they will be held accountable,” said State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “No one is above the law and it is my job to enforce the law and to ensure that the public is protected. I am pleased that today’s sentencing brings closure to this very tragic case for Demonte Ward-Blake’s family and this community”
