A Black man who was pistol-whipped and choked by a suburban Denver police officer said he feared for his life during the violent confrontation that led to assault charges against the officer.
DENVER -- A Black man who was pistol-whipped and choked by a suburban Denver police officer said Wednesday that he feared for his life during the violent confrontation that led to assault charges against the officer and later his resignation.
Vinson is a homeless Army veteran who said he was trying to take a break from the midday heat when police approached. When the arrest turned violent, he said he thought about never being able to see his brother or his friends, ride his bicycle or eat again. A week and a half after the arrest, Vinson said he still is in pain from his injuries, the worst of which is in his chest from being poked with the gun's barrel. He said he also suffers headaches and back pain and got six stitches for a cut on his head.