STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Attorney: Va. Student in Bloody Arrest to Plead Not Guilty

Martese Johnson was charged with obstruction of justice without force and public intoxication or swearing after his arrest.

(Photo: AP Photo/The Daily Progress, Andrew Shurtleff)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The attorney for a University of Virginia student says his client will plead not guilty this week to charges stemming from a highly publicized arrest that led to allegations of excessive police force and racism.
| SEE TWEETS IN RESPONSE TO MARTESE JOHNSON'S BRUTAL ARREST |

Twenty-year-old Martese Johnson, who is black, needed 10 stiches to close a gash on his head after last Wednesday's scuffle with Alcoholic Beverage Control officers in Charlottesville, Virginia. Photos and video of the arrest circulated widely on social media, showing Johnson with his face bloody as he was pinned to the ground by an officer. State officials promised to investigate.

Johnson was charged with obstruction of justice without force and public intoxication or swearing after his arrest.

His attorney, Daniel Watkins, issued a statement Monday saying the Chicago resident will enter his not-guilty plea at a scheduled court appearance Thursday.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.  

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.