ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, May 24, 1996 TAG: 9605240069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI STAFF WRITER
A man who accused police of beating him in downtown Roanoke was convicted Thursday of assaulting officers during the fight.
Roanoke General District Judge John Apostolou found Steven Leftwich guilty of four misdemeanor assault charges and sentenced him to two years in prison and a $4,000 fine.
The decision came nearly three weeks after a five-hour preliminary hearing. Apostolou delayed his decision to review written arguments by attorneys.
Leftwich's attorney, Harold Barnes of Norfolk, has already appealed his client's conviction to Circuit Court. Leftwich remains free on bond.
The morning of Feb. 11, police stopped Leftwich and his cousin, William Hayden III, near the City Market. The car had a defective taillight, according to earlier testimony. Leftwich was a passenger in the car.
As Roanoke officer A.P. Forbes questioned Leftwich, he noticed some marijuana in plain view inside the car, according to earlier testimony. He asked Leftwich to step outside. A state trooper who was passing by stopped to help Forbes.
At this point the stories differ.
Police say Leftwich approached them in an aggressive manner, pushing the state trooper and later fighting with other officers who were called to the scene.
But Leftwich has testified that officers initiated the fight, ultimately kicking, punching and gripping him in a chokehold.
Leftwich and four officers were treated for injuries after the fight. A subsequent internal police investigation cleared the officers of wrongdoing.
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Steven Leftwich\Found guilty of assaultby CNB