SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts police officer is facing criminal charges after a violent off-duty confrontation with a 15-year-old boy outside a mall.
Springfield Officer Daniel Cintron was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty Tuesday to unarmed robbery, assault and battery, and witness intimidation.
Prosecutors say the 28-year-old Cintron and another man confronted the teen at Springfield’s Eastfield Mall last month over text messages he exchanged with the other man’s sister.
Prosecutors say Cintron was off-duty but wore his badge and carried a department-issued gun to intimidate the teen. The other man allegedly punched the teen and stole his cellphone.
Cintron’s lawyer said his client surrendered when he found out there was a warrant for his arrest.
He was been suspended for five days without pay pending a disciplinary hearing.
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