What to Know
- Judge Barry Williams dismissed the second-degree assault charge against Lt. Brian Rice.
- Rice still faces charges of manslaughter, reckless endangerment and one misconduct charge.
- Williams ruled that because Rice didn't drive the van, prosecutors had no evidence for the charge.
The defense rested Tuesday in the fourth trial of a Baltimore police officer in the death of a man whose broken neck in police custody provoked riots last year.
Lt. Brian Rice is the highest-ranking of six officers charged in Freddie Gray's death. Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams dismissed an assault charge against him, but he still faces charges of manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.
Because Rice waived his right to a jury trial, Williams alone will decide whether to convict or acquit after closing arguments Thursday.
Meanwhile, the driver of the van will get almost $88,000 in back pay now that he has been found not guilty. Officer Caesar Goodson remains suspended, but now his pay is being restored pending an administrative review.
