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Newly released body camera footage shows Denver Police Corporal Michael Oestmann punching and knocking out a handcuffed suspect after he taunted Oestmann for minutes while sitting in the chair and then spitting at his feet.
Cpl. Michael Oestmann reached a plea deal last week with the Denver District Attorney’s Office that will allow him to wipe his guilty plea to a misdemeanor menacing charge from his record in a year if he follows court orders.
He will serve no jail time. Investigative documents obtained show Oestmann was working off duty at a downtown bar on April 14.
Oestmann detained a suspect, identified in court papers as Kevin Watson, involved in an assault inside the bar.
The man was seated in a chair with his hands handcuffed behind his back, according to a probable cause statement.
The statement reads, “For about ten minutes… (the suspect) berated and insulted Cpl. Oestman until the point (suspect) spit upon Oestman, striking him in the face with saliva.
Cpl. Oestman responded by kneeing (the suspect) in the chest, and punching him in the face, knocking him unconscious.” The suspect was transported to Denver Health Medical Center and treated for cuts to his face.