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Former Kan. police officer charged after punching man during investigation

Lawrence Police Chief Tarik Khatibi at a Friday News Conference
Lawrence Police Chief Tarik Khatibi at a Friday News Conference

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A former Lawrence police officer is facing a misdemeanor charge after authorities say he punched a man during a domestic disturbance investigation.

Douglas County Attorney Charles Branson announced Friday that he has charged Frank McClelland with misdemeanor battery.

Police Chief Tarik Khatib said Friday that another Lawrence officer reported the incident, which occurred Aug. 16.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports officers were trying to break up a fight between two men when one of the men refused McClelland’s commands to sit on the ground.

Branson says McClelland swept the legs out from under an uncooperative man and then punched him in the face up to four times.

McClelland was placed on administrative leave during an investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. He resigned Aug. 24.

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