Prosecutors decline to charge man struck by off-duty officer

DETROIT (AP) — Prosecutors say they will not charge a man suspected of shoplifting from a store who was struck with a baton by a Detroit police officer.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced the decision Thursday in a statement, saying the man won’t be charged with “any crime whatsoever.” The uniformed officer, who was off-duty and working as a security guard, was earlier placed on administrative duty.

Prosecutors are reviewing the case for possible charges against the officer.

The officer was recorded on cellphone video Oct. 8 at a Meijer store using a baton to strike the man. 

Police Chief James Craig has said the 65-year-old officer failed to de-escalate the confrontation. 

The 23-year-old man had a broken tooth and bruised face.