WA officer won't face charges for punching handcuffed woman

A county prosecutor in Washington state announced an officer who punched a handcuffed woman will not face criminal charges.

The King County prosecutor acknowledged the officer's actions might not meet the Seattle Police Department's policies.

But he said that does not mean it was a criminal act.

A key piece of evidence is what was caught on camera.

The woman, Miyekko Durden-Bosley, said the blow broke an orbital bone, but Officer Shepherd's attoey, Eric Makus, said his client did what he needed to.

“This was a combative, resistant, violent suspect who was being taken into custody,” Makus said. “She assaulted a police officer. And he used appropriate lawful force to subdue the situation.”

The Washington State Patrol investigated and said the officer's actions after he was assaulted were inconsistent with training and policy.

But the King County prosecutor examined the findings and said there was not enough to prove the punch was unreasonable.

So this officer will not face criminal charges.

“He is very pleased to be exonerated,” Makus said.

Bosley's attoeys say they are very disappointed and are "exploring alteative avenues to attempt to secure justice for what they call a brutal assault."

The Seattle Police Officers' Guild is supporting Shepherd, who is a 9-year veteran of the department.

The union says he should be retued to full duty as soon as possible.

But for now, he remains on administrative leave while an inteal investigation proceeds.