Police Officer Arrested Amid Assault, Racism Accusations

A police officer in Worcester, Massachusetts, has been arrested amid accusations of racism and physical assault.

Worcester Police confirmed Thursday that 50-year-old officer Michael Motyka, a 17-year veteran with the department, had been charged after an internal investigation into an incident that took place on Dec. 1, 2014.

The victim, who had been arrested, was handcuffed and shackled while awaiting transfer from a holding cell at the police department to the courthouse for arraignment when Motyka allegedly forced him against a wall, punched him, threw him to the floor and kicked him while he was down.

Police say a witness supported the victim's claims of assault and racism.

"The complaint and witness alleged that during the prisoner release process, the officer made a disparaging remark with respect to the complainant's 'black' [sic] skin," Worcester Police said in a statement.

"I want to thank Chief [Gary] Gemme and the Worcester Police Department for taking this matter seriously and investigating it quickly," said City Manager Edward Augustus in a statement. "Worcester will not tolerate this type of allegd behavior."

Motyka was arrested Thursday and charged with assault and faces charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a civil rights violation.

The officer is on paid administrative leave after his arrest.

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