Lincoln officer had assault conviction

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Lincoln police officer standing trial for allegedly kicking a handcuffed woman at Twin River in 2009 was convicted of assault in 2001.

Officer Edward Krawetz is on trial for allegedly kicking Donna Levesque as she sits handcuffed on the ground.  The kick was caught on video but the defense is arguing that Krawetz was defending himself from further attacks after Levesque kicked him first.

He was convicted of misdemeanor assault back in 2001 after a confrontation with a man who was jogging with friends in Cumberland.

Chris McGill said Krawetz, who was off-duty and driving his own vehicle at the time, veered towards them and almost hit them.

Krawetz said one of those joggers flipped him off and 'got in his face' when Krawetz stopped, but McGill and other witnesses said Krawetz waved his badge and assaulted McGill.  Krawetz's family was in the car with him when the confrontation occurred.

District Court Judge Madeline Quirk said during sentencing that she "can't comprehend how an officer cannot hold his emotions in check and just keep driving.  Especially considering his family was in the car."

Krawetz was suspended for 30 days following that misdemeanor conviction and Eyewitness News has learned that several town officials recommended to the police chief at the time that Krawetz be fired.

The town of Lincoln is also considering new administrative charges and possibly termination, again, regardless of the outcome of this new trial.