Court documents show the Covington police officer seen on camera repeatedly punching a protester last week has a previous lawsuit filed against him for use of excessive force.
Covington officials said Officer Zachary Stayton remains on paid administrative duty amid an investigation into his conduct during a protest on the Roebling Bridge last week. Footage from both bystanders and police body cameras showed the moment Stayton grabbed protester Brandon Hill, who was trying to run away, and began punching him repeatedly, even as he fell to the ground.
In a press conference, Covington Police Chief Brian Valenti read from Stayton’s use-of-force report, where he stated he attempted to fire pepper balls at Hill’s feet and “lower extremities” when he was in the road, leading Hill to the sidewalk…