Collin County, TX — A grand jury has declined to indict Eric Casebolt, the former McKinney, Texas police officer who was caught in a social media firestorm when he pinned down Dajerria Becton, a then 14-year old African American teen girl at a pool party last summer. Casebolt was responding to a call about rowdy behavior at a neighborhood pool party in an upscale community.
However, in the video that went viral on social media, Casebolt can be seen kneeling down on top of the girl after a brief verbal altercation. He is also seen in the video drawing his weapon on other teenagers.
That image of a white police officer with a knee pressed against Becton’s back sparked a national outrage. Many used this as a token example of the excessive police force and police brutality that plagues African-Americans. But Casebolt did later issue a public apology saying that his emotions got the best of him. He was later placed on administrative leave.
But just recently, however, the City of McKinney has released a statement saying: “On Thursday June 23, the District Attorney’s office presented the findings of the Ranger’s investigation to a Grand Jury. The Grand Jury’s decision was to “No Bill” any charges against Eric Casebolt in relation to the June 2015 incident.”
Afterwards, Casebolt’s attorney, Tom Mills, told reporters, “We’re glad that the system worked in his favor in this case.”
The family of 15-year old Becton could not be reached for a comment.
Mearnwhile, Casebolt, who resigned four days after the incident, says he will apply again in another city to become a police officer again.
Watch the raw footage of what happened below: