OWASSO, Okla. -- Wednesday, a former Owasso Police officer was found not guilty after being accused of excessive force.
Michael Denton was acquitted Wednesday. Dashcam video shows Denton hitting a suspect with a shotgun during an arrest.
RELATED: Owasso Police Officer Michael D. Denton faces charges stemming from June arrest
Denton was found not guilty of assault and battery with a deadly weapon and reckless conduct with a firearm.
Following the verdict, the Owasso Police Department posted the following message in its Facebook page:
"Today, March 8th, 2017, former Owasso Police Officer Mike Denton was acquitted by a jury in Nowata County on the charges of Reckless Conduct with a Firearm and Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon. As Chief of Police of the Owasso Police Department, I affirm my respect for the rule of law and judicial process. The burden of proof in a criminal trial is the highest of any judicial process, as it should be. The outcome of the trial in no way diminishes my belief that the decisions made by Mr. Denton are inconsistent with Owasso Police Department policies and the department’s core values."
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
