FBI arrests RI cop in brutality case

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - The Target 12 Investigators have learned that a Woonsocket police officer is under arrest in connection with a police brutality investigation.

FBI spokesman Mike McNamara confirmed agents arrested a Woonsocket police officer Thursday morning.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, officer John H. Douglas, 34, of Blackstone, Mass. is charged with a civil rights violation in the wake of a police brutality claim by a 16-year-old boy.

A grand jury returned an indictment against Douglas Wednesday, but it remained unsealed until his arrest, prosecutors said.

• Read the complete indictment

The FBI has been investigating allegations that the teen was beaten by several police officers in a city park back in September, and was also allegedly beaten twice in a room at the Woonsocket Police station.

The indictment alleges Douglas did "punch, strike, and otherwise assault" the victim, resulting in bodily injury.

The teen's lawyer said that the socket around the boy's left eye was fractured in three places and he also suffered a broken nose.

The officer is also charged with obstruction of justice. The indictment said Douglas tried to persuade other Woonsocket officers to provide false information to FBI agents investigating the allegations.

Douglas was arraigned in Federal Court in front of Judge David L. Martin, at which time he pleaded not guilty. Douglas was released on bond pending further proceedings, prosecutors said.