Monday, May 06 2024 | Updated at 01:27 PM EDT

Stay Connected With Us F T R

May 28, 2015 10:55 AM EDT

Martese Johnson, the University of Virginia (UVA) student who's bloody arrest two months ago caught national attention, asked for the charges against him to be dropped.

According to the Associated Press, Johnson's attorney filed the motion Wednesday in Charlottesville General District Court. Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) officers arrested Johnson March 18 for public intoxication and obstructing justice without force, but somehow he wound on the ground with a bloody face.

Johnson, 20, was reportedly denied access to a bar for trying to gain entry with a fake ID, which he has maintained is widespread at UVA. Onlookers started recording his arrest after he fell to the ground and bloodied his face.

An ongoing investigation is still seeking determine what escalated the incident. Daniel P. Watkins, Johnson's attorney, told the AP his client's face was simply smashed onto the pavement without cause.

"This shouldn't even be a case," he told the Washington Post. "I read the police report of the arresting officers and I think that they made a mistake here and they acted beyond their lawful authority."

In the filing, Watkins said his client was detained unlawfully. An ABC officer grabbed Johnson by the arm after the student was denied entry to the bar. When Johnson pulled his arm away, another officer helped the first complete the arrest. After falling to the ground, the ABC officers "shackled" Johnson's ankles before taking him away.

"The two agents slammed Mr. Johnson headfirst into the sidewalk, causing his head to bleed considerably," Watkins wrote in the court filings. "Prior to the seizure there is no allegation that ABC agents believed he had consumed alcohol for any reason, including his speech, outward appearance, manner, walk, or odor."

Watkins said he wanted to see the case come to a conclusion by the end of the summer.

"It's been more than two months and it's just time," he told the Post. "I want to vindicate Mr. Johnson of these charges prior to that."

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit

© 2024 University Herald, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Must Read

Common Challenges for College Students: How to Overcome Them

Oct 17, 2022 PM EDTFor most people, college is a phenomenal experience. However, while higher education offers benefits, it can also come with a number of challenges to ...

Top 5 Best Resources for Math Students

Oct 17, 2022 AM EDTMath is a subject that needs to be tackled differently than any other class, so you'll need the right tools and resources to master it. So here are 5 ...

Why Taking a DNA Test is Vital Before Starting a Family

Oct 12, 2022 PM EDTIf you're considering starting a family, this is an exciting time! There are no doubt a million things running through your head right now, from ...

By Enabling The Use Of Second-Hand Technology, Alloallo Scutter It's Growth While Being Economically And Environmentally Friendly.

Oct 11, 2022 PM EDTBrands are being forced to prioritise customer lifetime value and foster brand loyalty as return on advertising investment plummets. Several brands, ...