St. Paul Cop Testifies Fellow Officer’s Kicks Unnecessary

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ A St. Paul police officer has testified he felt a fellow officer's three kicks to a suspect who was being bitten by a police dog were unnecessary.

Officer Brian Ficcadenti testified Thursday during the federal trial of Officer Brett Palkowitsch, who is charged with violating the civil rights of Frank Baker.

Ficcadenti released the K-9 on Baker in June 2016. Minnesota Public Radio reports he testified he regrets his actions that night.

Looking back, Ficcadenti said he wouldn't have released the dog so quickly to apprehend Baker, who was suspected of carrying a gun. Baker was later found to be unarmed.

Prosecutors say Palkowitsch's use of force against Baker was excessive. Baker's ribs were fractured and his lungs punctured.

Palkowitsch has pleaded not guilty. He is on paid administrative leave.