A Denver police officer, Dat Truong, 32, is currently on trial for hitting a handcuffed 17-year-old boy three times after an arrest last year. The incident took place on the night of November 3, 2023, after the teenager crashed his vehicle near the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Interstate 225 in Aurora. Following the crash, all five individuals in the vehicle fled from the police, with the teenager eventually being apprehended and handcuffed by Denver and Aurora police officers.
Prosecutors allege that Truong struck the boy out of anger and frustration in response to the teenager’s disrespectful behavior during the arrest. Truong is facing a misdemeanor count of harassment for the incident and could be disqualified from working as a police officer in Colorado if convicted.
During the trial, the teenager testified that Truong punched him three times on his upper left arm, causing him to feel unsafe and hurt. However, Truong’s defense attorney argued that the officer’s actions were a reasonable use of force in response to the teenager’s provocative behavior.
The trial, taking place in Adams County District Court, is expected to conclude on Friday. Truong, who has been a Denver police officer since 2014, was placed on desk duty following the incident and remains on the force.
