Kansas City police officer indicted for alleged assault: Court documents
A grand jury has indicted a Kansas City police officer in connection with an altercation that occurred last July in Westport, according to court documents.
KCPD officer Christopher Showalter has been indicted on one count of fourth degree assault, a class A misdemeanor.
Court documents show that on or about July 7, 2024, Showalter allegedly slammed a Kansas City man’s chin and face into the sidewalk and placed his knee on his face while the man was handcuffed and lying on his stomach.
A lawsuit filed June 23 by attorneys for the man, identified as William Hardy, alleges that while off-duty and working as security in the Westport area, Showalter stepped in front of Hardy as he was riding his bike with his girlfriend.
Hardy avoided a collision, but Showalter allegedly proceeded to pull Hardy off of his bicycle, according to previous reporting by The Star. Hardy fell chin-first onto the pavement; Showalter then allegedly got on top of Hardy, placed him into handcuffs and arrested him.
Hardy suffered a large cut to his chin, which later developed an abscess, and injuries to his legs, the lawsuit said.
Showalter’s arraignment for the misdemeanor charge is scheduled for July 15 at 9 a.m. If found guilty, he could face up to a year in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
