In Inkster, Michigan, a police officer is facing felony charges after a video from a violent traffic stop beating went viral. W. Melendez was captured on video beating a suspect – he is charged with mistreating a prisoner, and assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder.

If convicted of the charges, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

On April 20, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy spoke at a news conference. Worthy said that the job of a police officer can be dangerous, but we can't tolerate those who abuse their authority, and prey on citizens instead of protecting them. She said that incidents like this are "toxic."

Police Dash Cam Video Evidence

A police dash-cam video captured two officers throwing auto worker, F. Dent, 57, to the ground and Melendez repeatedly punching Dent in the head.

Police claimed that Dent refused to stop his vehicle, and that there was cocaine in the car. However, Dent claims that the cocaine was planted by the police.

Worthy said that she's going to drop the charges against Dent. Earlier, a district court judge dismissed charges of fleeing the police, and resisting arrest.

When Dent heard the good news, he was very much relieved. With his lawyers standing by his side, he thanked Prosecutor Kym Worthy for her courage in charging Robocop (referring to Melendez). He also thanked his legal team for keeping him confident that the legal process would work for him.

Melendez was suspended during the investigation; he was discharged from the Inkster Police Department last week. When asked about how he treated Dent, he declined to discuss any specifics, but he did say that there are always two sides to every story.

Were you a victim of police misconduct during a traffic stop or a criminal investigation? If so, a criminal defense attorney can protect your constitutional rights!