Civil Rights Charge For Cop 'Who Floored Tourist'

A former Alabama police officer has been charged with violating the civil rights of an Indian grandfather whom he allegedly flung to the ground.

Eric Sloan Parker, 26, is accused of using unreasonable force that left Sureshbhai Patel in hospital.

Parker's lawyer said he would plead not guilty to the charges, which federal prosecutors announced.

Defence attorney Robert Tuten said: "We are shocked, disappointed and overwhelmed by all the ways Eric Parker is coming under attack.

"However, we are looking forward to seeing the indictment and having our day in court."

Mr Patel, 57, was on his morning walk on 6 February while visiting his son when police were called by a neighbour suspicious of the stranger.

He said he suffered injuries including partial paralysis when he was slammed to the ground in the confrontation.

After the family sued, Madison Police apologised to the Patel family, fired Parker and charged him with assault.

US Attorney Joyce Vance said people "must be able to trust the police".

The Indian government had asked the US to fully investigate the incident.

Police said at the time that Parker had responded to a call about a person seen walking on to driveways and looking into garages.

The resident who phoned police described Mr Patel as "a skinny black guy".

Parker and other officers stopped Mr Patel, but he spoke little English, authorities said.

Officers tried patting Mr Patel down but he put his hands in his pockets and pulled away, according to police.

A dashcam video released by police shows an officer throwing Mr Patel to the ground.

As Mr Patel lies on the ground, one officer is heard saying: "He don't speak a lick of English."

Mr Patel's son, Chirag Patel, told local media his father has only been to America once before.

He was visiting to help care for his grandson while his son studies for a postgraduate degree.