A Detroit police office, 32-year-old Cpl. Daniel Debono, faces felony assault charges for intentionally firing rubber bullets at three photojournalists covering a BLM protest in the city in May, the New York Times reports.
The three photojournalists, one for the new site MLive and two independent photographers, were wearing identifying clothing and credentials. Raising their hands above their heads they identified themselves before trying to cross the street in front of three police officers, including Debono, who were dressed in camouflage.
Debono raised his weapon and targeted the photojournalists with a barrage of rubber bullets as they crossed, striking them at various points in their bodies.
Nicole Hester of MLive “sustained the most injuries to her face, neck, arms and legs,” prosecutors said, while Seth Hatcher had bruising on his face and ribs and a mark on his nose. Matthew Herald’s wrist was injured.
After an internal investigation, the case was turned over to the prosecutor’s office, who filed the charges.