Officer Lonnie Wade (right) during encounter last October with David Bivins (holding his mouth).
A Wayne County judge chastised Detroit police officer Lonnie Wade, 65, before sentencing him Monday to probation in last October's widely reported beating of a customer at the Meijer at Woodward Avenue and 8 Mile Road.
"What you did at that point in time has eroded trust in the police," said Wayne County Circuit Judge Mariam Bazzi, according to Charlie Ramirez of The Detroit News. "It hurt the community and made things more difficult."
Wade who was charged with two felonies, was sentenced to three years probation.
Wade, who was working security at Meijer, was charged with striking customer David Bivins in the face and head with a baton, breaking several teeth. Wade, who was in his police uniform, falsely accused Bivins of shoplifting.
Bivins has since filed a $25-million lawsuit naming several defendants, including Wade and Meijer.
