Image source: KPTV
Scott Groshong, a retired Portland police officer, was found guilty on Monday when he pleaded guilty to assault and official misconduct charges for his actions during a protest in June 2020.
The retired policeman had been on duty for almost three decades when his misconduct prompted him to retire.
Why he was sentenced
Scott Groshong, 52, had been with the Portland Police Department for more than 27 years.
In 2020, protests erupted across the country, affecting states like Portland.
In June of that year, a downtown protest led to Northwest 9th Avenue and Northwest Davis Street looting.
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According to the Oregon report, Groshong responded to a call at a skate shop before midnight and filmed two men stealing skateboards.
Soon after, another entered the shop and took a helmet.
Groshong drove an unmarked police van into a man running around with a vandalized shop item.
A resident witnessed the incident.
Charges
Scott Groshong was subsequently charged and reprimanded in Multnomah County Jail for nine counts:
- One count of third-degree assault (felony)
- Two counts of failure to perform duties of a driver to an injured person (felony)
- Six counts of official misconduct (misdemeanors)
“Groshong recklessly drove his vehicle to the man, striking him and causing him a serious physical injury,” the prosecutor’s office said.
The district attorney also said that Groshong had not reported the incident to his superiors or other authorities.
Read also: Calls for Stricter Gun Control Laws Ring Loud from Oregon
Aftermath
Groshong retired in August 2020, ending his 27-year career.
The man who was shot and other Portland police officers testified before a Multnomah County grand jury in October 2020, leading to the indictment of nine counts of Groshong.
Furthermore, the man who was hit was not charged with the alleged theft from the skateboard shop.
Groshong’s attorney, Brian Scott Davidson, revealed that he worked in the construction industry.
The sentence
Scott Groshong was convicted of third-degree assault and first-degree misconduct.
The former policeman was sentenced to three years of probation and 80 hours of community service.
Groshong Prison’s credentials will also be revoked.
Additional notes
Scott Groshong is the first officer convicted in Portland of using inappropriate force during the 2020 protests.
Another officer, Corey Budworth, is currently facing assault charges for allegedly hitting a woman in the head with a baton during the August 2020 protests.
The case is to be heard soon.
References:
Retired police officer pleads guilty to assault from June 2020 protest
Police officer charged with 9 counts after allegedly hitting theft suspect with his car
