DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A Pennsylvania State Police Trooper has been acquitted of multiple charges after he was accused of serving a female acquaintance with an involuntary Mental Health Commitment.
Ronald Davis has been a member of Troop L in Jonestown since 2015. He was accused of attempting to convince fellow troopers that the victim in the case was suicidal. However, she was reportedly not suicidal and she and Davis had been in a relationship that ended the weekend before he received the Involuntary Mental Health Commitment.
Davis was allegedly caught on camera assaulting the victim as he attempted to restrain her. The woman was heard expressing confusion over why she was being restrained and stating that she couldn't breathe several times over the course of the confrontation.
He allegedly threw the victim to the ground when she attempted to escape. Troopers who later arrived at the scene documented several injuries to the victim, including multiple bruises and other injuries consistent with an assault.
Davis was originally charged with a felony count of strangulation and misdemeanor counts of unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, simple assault, official oppression and recklessly endangering another person. He was placed on suspension during the investigation.
District Attorney of Dauphin County Francis Chardo confirmed to FOX43 that a judge acquitted Davis of the charges in place of a jury. The judge reportedly would not state a reason as a jury would not.
According to Chardo, the judge did not find that the Commonwealth had met its burden so the presumption of innocence prevailed.
Lieutenant Adam Reed with the Pennsylvania State Police told FOX43 that Davis remains employed in a restricted duty status. An internal investigation is reportedly pending.
