St. Johnsbury police officer pleads not guilty to aggravated assault

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vermont (AP) — A Vermont police officer pleaded not guilty Monday to aggravated assault after he was accused of using excessive force during the arrest of a man in St. Johnsbury in May.

According to state police, St. Johnsbury Police Sergeant George Johnson did not have sufficient cause to stop 35-year-old John Stelzl as he was walking on a road near a bridge on May 10. A physical altercation ensued and Johnson used excessive force against Stelzl, who was taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries, state police said. Stelzl was later released from the hospital, police said.

The police did not provide any further details about the type of violence allegedly used or Stelzl's injuries.

A lawyer for Johnson said in a statement Monday that his client was “confident that if given the time and grace to defend himself in court, society will agree that his conduct was both lawful and justified.”

He said Johnson and his family were “grateful for the overwhelming support from the community and the messages they have received.”

Stelzl was originally charged with several violations. The Caledonia County District Attorney's Office dismissed the charges after a review of Johnson's body camera footage, police said.

Caledonia County Prosecutor Jessica Zaleski told the St. Johnsbury Police Chief she was concerned about Johnson's use of force, state police said. Police Chief Joel Pierce turned the case over to the Vermont State Police for an independent investigation. Pierce did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Johnson's employment status.

Zaleski put her decision on hold and asked the Grand Isle County District Attorney to review the case for criminal charges.