HARRISBURG, Pa. — Note: The video is from March 27
A Dauphin County Prison corrections officer has been accused of excessive use of force, District Attorney Fran Chardo announced Friday.
Scott Petrasic, 34, of Harrisburg, is charged with simple assault and official oppression related to an alleged incident that occurred at the county Judicial Center on Feb. 24, Chardo said.
The charges were filed after an investigation by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division of the District Attorney's Office, and are part of an "ongoing pursuit of professionalism and accountability" at the prison, Chardo said.
According to the criminal complaint affidavit, Petrasic was processing a female suspect who had been arrested by Harrisburg Police. As he was trying to escort her to a bench, the woman turned away from him, causing him to lose his grip on her jacket.
Petrasic allegedly said "you're not in charge" and pushed her into a wall, causing her to strike her head and fall to the floor, the complaint states. The woman sustained an injury in the area of her right ear.
The woman complained of head pain and nausea after the incident, according to the complaint.
“We are committed to full transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in law enforcement,” said John Bey, Dauphin County’s Director of Criminal Justice. “Any conduct that deviates from our Code of Conduct and the highest standards of integrity, respect and humane treatment will be addressed immediately.”
Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, who has oversight of the Prison, said, "The allegations deeply concern me, and I'm dedicated to upholding justice, transparency, and humane treatment. I'm thankful to the District Attorney for filing criminal charges, ensuring that any misconduct is appropriately addressed. Our aim is to foster a correctional setting that is safe, just, and respectful.”
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 24. Petrasic has been suspended without pay during the investigation of this matter. The suspension began on March 24.