Aurora – A jury on Thursday acquitted an Aurora police officer who was charged with felony menacing for allegedly pointing a gun at a handcuffed suspect in the back of a police cruiser.
Officer Chris Stine, 29, took the stand in his own defense in the case, which had other police officers as his main accusers. The incident occurred Aug. 6 at an Aurora restaurant following a report of a fight. Officers arrested Virgil Lee Anderson, who was later convicted for carrying a concealed weapon.
Other officers reported that after Anderson was in custody, Stine pointed a gun at him.
The jury on Thursday deliberated about three hours. Stine was facing up to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
“We respect the opinion of the community,” said district attorney spokeswoman Kathleen Walsh.
Chief Dan Oates said Stine is expected to return to work today but will not be in uniform or carry a weapon. He will be in a nonenforcement status while the department conducts an internal review to determine whether department rules were violated.
“This issue is not over,” Oates said. “The department chose to conduct a criminal investigation first. We felt charges were appropriate. … That criminal trial has now been resolved. Now we will begin an internal investigation.”
Stine had been on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case. He will be paid back wages he would have earned during his leave.
Oates said he doubts there will be lingering animosity within the department.
“I have no concern about that,” he said. “This is a professional organization.”
Staff writer Jeremy P. Meyer can be reached at 303-820-1175 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
