Samuel
Rosario, the Springfield police officer charged with official misconduct and
battery after fighting a man while on duty in February, has filed a complaint
with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, claiming that he is the victim of
discrimination by the city.
The
city placed Rosario on unpaid leave in February, immediately after challenging
Robert Humes to a fight, then getting the better of Humes in the ensuing
altercation, which was captured by the officer’s body camera (“Blow By Blow,”
March 21, 2017). After the incident, Humes greeted Rosario as a friend when the
officer re-visited Humes’ home and apologized (“You’ve Always Got Respect Down
Here,” April 3, 2017). When department investigators later interviewed Humes,
he praised the officer, saying that Rosario deserved a promotion.
Video
footage of the fight between Humes and Rosario has gone viral, with papers as
far away as England writing about the incident and more than one million people viewing a YouTube posting of the incident. Online commentary is is divided between people who accuse Rosario of brutality and those who
say that Humes, who had argued with the officer and insulted him, deserved what he got.
Rosario
is facing termination as well as a felony conviction for official misconduct
and battery. His trial is scheduled for July 17.
The
Illinois Department of Human Rights declined to release a copy of Rosario’s
claim, saying that the matter is under investigation. However, the department confirmed
that Rosario on May 22 filed a discrimination claim against the Springfield
Police Department.
Springfield
police officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment and an
inquiry about Rosario’s current duty status.
Contact Bruce Rushton at brushton@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Jun 15-21, 2017.
