WASHINGTON — A Prince George’s County patrol officer has been indicted on charges that he held a gun to the head of a Bowie homeowner last May — an assault that was caught on video.
A grand jury returned the indictment Thursday charging Officer Jenchesky Santiago, 25, with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, two counts of the use of a handgun in the commission of a violent crime, and two counts of misconduct in office. He was on duty at the time of the May 10, 2014 assault.
He has been suspended without pay. His police powers were revoked last June, according to the county police department.
Cellphone video captured the incident, according to the office of State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.
Santiago told two men inside a car parked in front of a Bowie home that they were illegally parked. The driver said he was dropping off his cousin, William Cunningham, who owned the home. Cunningham got out of the car and began walking toward his home, when Santiago blocked his path, according to the state’s attorney’s office.
Santiago then put his service gun against Cunningham’s head and pointed it at his mouth, pushing him toward the car. He ordered the driver, who was not named, out of the car and searched both men. Cunningham’s wife eventually came outside and confirmed that her husband lived there.
After an internal investigation, county police forwarded the case to the state’s attorney’s office to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Santiago has worked for the department for three years and was assigned to the patrol bureau.
