OHP Trooper Charged With Assault

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper has been placed on paid administrative leave while he faces a criminal charge alleging he repeatedly kicked a handcuffed woman.

Thursday, May 7th 2009, 7:23 am

By: News On 6

Associated Press

HENRYETTA, Okla. (AP) -- An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper has been placed on paid administrative leave while he faces a criminal charge alleging he repeatedly kicked a handcuffed woman.

Barry Jacob E. Rowland of Bixby was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery for allegedly kicking 32-year-old Dana Michelle Walls as she lay handcuffed on the ground outside a Henryetta club.

District Attorney Tom Giulioli says the charge against the 32-year-old Rowland was filed after other officers complained about Rowland's conduct that night. Giulioli says a video from Rowland's patrol car shows him kicking Walls in the chest at least three times.

His next court date is scheduled for May 20.

The OHP declined to release the video.

If convicted, Rowland could face up to 90 days in the county jail and be fined up to $1,000.