January 7, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A South Carolina state trooper is facing a federal charge after being caught on video using his patrol car to try to run down a suspect in an apartment complex.

Documents filed in federal court this week show Lance Cpl. Alexander Richardson is facing a misdemeanor charge of violating civil rights by using excessive force. Highway Patrol spokesman Sid Gaulden said Wednesday that Richardson has not been suspended.

A dashboard video shows a man being hit at least once as Richardson drives over sidewalks and curbs at a Columbia apartment complex. He was reprimanded and ordered to take a stress management course after the incident.

Two other troopers caught on tape hitting suspects have faced felony civil rights charges. One has pleaded guilty, and the other was found not guilty.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.