Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne announced Monday he would not file charges against Damon Terrell for the alleged battery of a police officer during Terrell’s arrest last month at the Solidarity Sing Along Protests in the Capitol.
Terrell was in the rotunda area of the Capitol taking photographs of the protests when he was arrested, according to the affidavit the arresting officer filed against Terrell.
Capitol police officer James Brooks’ statement to the court claimed Terrell injured the officer’s finger and caused multiple cuts and bruises. However, Ozanne determined the document did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt Terrell was guilty of felonious battery to Brooks.
Ozanne also dropped the charges against Terrell for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Capitol police arrested Terrell Aug. 26 on the grounds he was violating a Department of Administration rule that prohibits more than four people from gathering in an administrative building without a permit.
Several protesters that day kept record of the event with video cameras, providing visual coverage of the arrest. Terrell was recorded backing away from police with his camera in hand, denying claims that he was participating in the protest, and saying he was only taking pictures. He was forced to the ground by multiple police officers.
Ozanne originally planned to rule in the case Sept. 12 but postponed it until Monday to further examine the evidence against Terrell, according to The Isthmus.
Terrell will still be held responsible for paying a $200.50 citation for participating in the protests without a permit, along with over 300 other protesters.
