St. Johnsbury police officer pleads not guilty to aggravated assault

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont police officer pleaded not guilty on Monday to aggravated assault accusing him of using excessive force while attempting to arrest a man in St. Johnsbury in May.

St. Johnsbury police Sgt. George Johnson did not have sufficient cause to stop John Stelzl, 35, who was walking on a street near a bridge on May 10, state police said. A physical altercation ensued and Johnson used excessive force on Stelzl, who was taken to the hospital for treatment of significant injuries, state police said. Stelzl was later released from the hospital, police said.

Police did not provide any details on the type of force allegedly used or Stelzl’s injuries.

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

He said Johnson and his family “are grateful for the overwhelming community support and messages they’ve been receiving.”

Stelzl was originally charged with multiple violations. The Caledonia County prosecutor’s office dismissed the charges after a review of Johnson’s body-camera footage, police said.

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

Zaleski recused herself and asked the Grand Isle County state’s attorney to review the matter for criminal charges.