Judge dismisses assault charges against St. Johnsbury cop

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (WCAX) - A judge has dismissed aggravated assault charges against a St. Johnsbury police officer.

Sgt. George Johnson was accused last spring of assaulting John Stelzl. Body cam footage showed Johnson stopping Stelzl for alleged jaywalking in what he called a high-crime area. The situation escalated, and Stelzl tried to take off.

Vermont Superior Court Judge Michael Kainen wrote in his dismissal decision that Johnson gave Stelzl every opportunity to comply before using force and only escalated in response to Stelzl’s resistance.

Johnson remains on paid leave.

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