Cop accused of pushing Wal-Mart greeter suspended

[January 29, 2009]  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- A Chattanooga detective accused of assaulting an elderly Wal-Mart greeter who asked to see his sales receipt at the store has been suspended from duty.

Police Chief Freeman Cooper told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that following a disciplinary hearing the officer was suspended 28 days without pay for conduct unbecoming an officer, improper procedure and excessive use of force.

The chief said the officer must also be retrained in the department's use of force policy and take an anger management course.

The detective was accused of pushing the 71-year-old Wal-Mart greeter who touched the off-duty officer's arm while asking if he could see a receipt in December. A report shows the greeter fell and received a scratch on his right elbow.

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Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com/

[Associated Press]

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