SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Massachusetts State Police Sergeant charged with assault is due back in Springfield District Court on Friday.
Massachusetts State Police sergeant pleads not guilty to assault charges
Sergeant Joel Daoust pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and assault with a dangerous weapon during an arraignment in Springfield District Court. The charges stem from a January 3rd traffic stop where Daoust allegedly used physical force and pepper spray against a driver.
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office is currently leading the investigation into the sergeant’s actions. State police suspended Daoust without pay on February 27 after an internal use-of-force review raised questions regarding the incident.
The assault charges involve a traffic stop conducted in Springfield for alleged speeding and marked lane violations. According to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, Daoust allegedly used physical force against the driver and sprayed the individual with pepper spray…