INKSTER, Mich. – A Detroit-area police officer charged in the beating of a motorist that was caught on video appeared briefly in court Wednesday morning.
William Melendez, 46, is facing felony charges of mistreatment of a prisoner and assault.
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At the hearing Wednesday, his preliminary exam was set for May 28 at 11 .m.
Police dashcam video shows Melendez repeatedly punching 57-year-old Floyd Dent in the head during a Jan. 28 traffic stop in Inkster. Prosecutors say they didn't know about the beating until the Local 4 Defenders aired the video in March.
Dent was original charged with cocaine possession after police said they found the drug during the stop. But the charge was dismissed at the request of prosecutors. Dent claims police planted drugs in his car.
Read: Defenders look inside case against former Inkster officer
Video: Violent traffic stop in Inkster caught on camera
Defense attorney David Lee tells reporters the assault charge is excessive.
Melendez has been fired as an officer in Inkster and Highland Park.
Read: Inkster police officer's union says his firing is 'political'
Special Coverage: Inkster police beating investigation