Officer accused of assault to testify

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The defense in the case of a suspended Lincoln police officer accused of kicking a female suspect in the head, called an expert witness to the stand on Monday.

The witness testified that Officer Edward Krawetz's use of force was "objectively reasonable."

Officer Krawetz is scheduled to take the stand in his own defense.

Krawetz is accused of felony assault of a woman outside Twin River slot parlor in Lincoln back in May of 2009.

• Cop charged with assault with a deadly weapon

Prosecutors say video images from a security camera show Officer Krawetz kicking Donna Levesque of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, in the back of the head after she made a motion toward him with her leg.

She was sitting on a curb in handcuffs outside Twin River after the police had escorted her out of a bar inside for what Officer Krawetz ’s partner characterized Thursday in court as “intoxicated, angry and belligerent behavior."

The two police officers were waiting for a third Lincoln police officer who would drive Donna Levesque to the Lincoln police station where she would be charged with disorderly conduct.

On Thursday, the defendant’s fellow police officer at Twin River that evening testified that Officer Krawetz never expressed concern for his own safety, never said he feared serious bodily injury, never yelled out that he was in pain and never sought medical attention.

"Did he in anyway indicate to you, that he felt he was in danger of serious bodily injury?"

Patrolman Russell Enos replied, "No."

When the prosecutor asked whether Donna Levesque ever said anything as she moved her leg to try to kick Officer Krawetz , Officer Enos testified that she said “don’t look in my purse.” He testified that Officer Krawetz was looking for her identification in her purse.

As the criminal trial continues at Providence Superior Court, the town of Lincoln is preparing to serve Krawetz with administrative charges.

"Even if he were to be acquitted, which hopefully will not be the case. The conduct that was captured in that surveillance tape will be brought and vetted in front of a hearing committee," said Vincent Ragosta, Attorney for the town of Lincoln.

Ragosta said the administrative charges parallel the criminal allegations against Krawetz.

They include:

• "Use of physical force which is necessary. . ."
• "Failure to remain calm regardless of provocation. . ."
• "Conduct that reflects discredit upon the officer. . ."

If a police officer is charged criminally, then the administrative process may not get under way until the criminal adjudication is complete, and that includes any appeals," continued Ragosta.

If convicted of the town's charges, Krawetz could lose his job.

But due to the Officer Bill of Rights, the final decision could take years, and will be decided by a three member commission that hears local cases against police officers.

Krawetz waived his right to a jury trial, which means the case will now be decided on by a judge.