Former Officer Sentenced For Hitting Fleeing Man With Patrol Car

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A former Benton Harbor public safety officer is avoiding jail time for hitting a suspect with his patrol car last May. Our partners at WSBT-22 report Steven Johnson was found guilty by Judge Arthur Cotter of reckless driving, but not guilty on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon for hitting Ronald Glover Jr. with his patrol car.

Judge Cotter ordered Johnson to pay $625 in court costs and fines. The Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office had wanted a jail sentence for the former officer, saying his action increased distrust between the community and police.