Robert “Ryan” Watson, a former Pevely Police officer, has been charged for allegedly assaulting a man who was in custody at the Pevely Police Department.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Watson on Monday with fourth-degree assault, a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.
On May 8, the Pevely Board of Aldermen voted 7-0 in a closed meeting to fire Watson, who was a corporal with the city’s Police Department.
In a separate May 8 vote, the board voted to fire a second officer, Wayne Casey, who has not been charged in the assault.
The board fired the two officers after watching a surveillance video that allegedly showed Watson attacking the man who was in custody at the Pevely Police Station on April 23, Mayor Stephanie Haas said.
“After watching the video and the actions taken (by Watson), the decision was made to terminate both Cpl. Watson and Patrolman Casey effective immediately,” Haas added. “Any further details will come after a complete review by our attorney.”
Ward 1 Alderman Larry Coulson, the board representative on the municipal Police Board, said the city has not released the reason for Casey’s dismissal.
Pevely Police Capt. Larry Miller, who has led the department since former Police Chief Tony Moutray resigned in March, said he began an investigation as soon as he learned about the alleged assault.
“I immediately started an internal investigation and reached out to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to initiate a criminal investigation,” Miller said.
According to the probable-cause statement in the case, the alleged assault occurred about 7:40 p.m. April 23 while the victim was being booked and after he reportedly directed obscenities at Watson.
“Watson is observed on video leaving his seated position behind the booking desk and walking toward (the suspect) who is seated and not in handcuffs on the opposite side of the desk. Once Watson arrives to where (the suspect) is seated, he is next observed grabbing (the suspect) with both hands by the neck and forcing him to the bench on his back. Watson then forcibly shoves (the suspect) toward the desk, forcing (the suspect) to strike his head on the desk,” the statement says.
The report further states that Watson dragged the suspect into an open holdover cell and threw him to the ground. The suspect said his neck and back were sore from the incident.
Watson told investigators his actions were “justified,” adding that they “were a direct result of (the suspect) not listening to his verbal commands,” the report said.
According to court records, Watson was issued a criminal summons on Tuesday, and a court appearance is scheduled for June 17 before Jefferson County Div. 10 Associate Circuit Judge Jeffrey Coleman.
Haas said she views the alleged assault as an isolated incident and should not reflect on the city’s entire police force.
“I believe we have a good police force and don’t want the actions of past personnel to shine a negative light on our current staff,” she said.
Coulson said the Police Department, which typically has 17 officers on staff, still will be able to protect the city and its residents, even though it’s short-handed following Moutray’s resignation and the firing of Watson and Casey.
“We’re able to cover this, at this point, with a minimal amount of pre-approved overtime” Coulson said.
He said the city currently is working to fill the police chief vacancy and has received 21 applications for the job.
“Our Police Board is meeting tonight (Tuesday) to pare down the applications to bring before the board,” he said.
However, Haas said she does not have a target date in mind for hiring the next police chief.