Prince George’s County Police Officer Charged With Assault of Suspect Who Spat on Him

A grand jury indicted a Prince George’s County police officer accused of striking a handcuffed suspect who allegedly spit on his face.

Officer Levi Vaughn and other officers were taking an uncooperative man under arrest to the Department of Corrections July 15, prosecutors said.

The suspect spit on Vaughn’s face while they were trying to gain his cooperation, police said. To retaliate, Vaughn hit the man twice and was about to hit him again when other officers intervened, prosecutors said. The man was handcuffed and his legs were secured at the time, police said.

The officer has been suspended since November.

“While I understand this officer felt disrespected by the suspects actions, even individuals who are in custody have the right to be protected,” Prince George’s County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said.

Vaughn was indicted on charges of second-degree assault and misconduct in office Thursday.

Police conducted an internal reivew and took the case to the State Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges. Vaughn’s court date has not been determined.