The high-profile arrest of University of Virginia student Martese Johnson that left him with a bloody head has put the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) officers in the spotlight again. While the 20-year-old student was being arrested outside of a popular local hangout, the front of his head hit the pavement, requiring 10 stitches.
“Just before handcuffing him, police took Martese to the ground, striking his head on the pavement and causing him to bleed profusely from the gash on his head,” said Johnson’s attorney, Daniel P. Watkins, in a statement.
The March 17 incident prompted Governor Terry McAuliffe to launch a state police investigation over the use of force. The agents involved in the incident have been placed on administrative duties during the investigation.
ABC special agents’ jobs are to help monitor licensed drinking establishments. According to the agency, they approached Johnson after he was refused entry to the popular hangout “the Corner” and handcuffed him. He was later arrested and charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice by local police.
