St. Louis, Missouri – A former police officer in Venice, Illinois, has admitted to using excessive force against a handcuffed suspect following a high-speed chase that ended in St. Louis.
According to the DOJ, Justin Gaither, 34, entered a guilty plea on Thursday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to a federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law—a crime that involves violating an individual’s constitutional rights while acting in an official capacity.
The incident in question took place on November 20, 2022, when Gaither, then a uniformed officer with the Venice Police Department, pursued a vehicle bearing stolen license plates. The chase escalated as the fleeing vehicle ran over spike strips deployed by Gaither, then crossed the McKinley Bridge into Missouri. A Brooklyn (Illinois) Police Department officer, along with a K9 unit, joined in the pursuit.
The chase ended in the 3800 block of Parnell Avenue in St. Louis when the occupants left the car and attempted to flee on foot. The driver, while trying to scale a fence, was bitten by the police dog, fell, and was subsequently handcuffed by the Brooklyn officer.
At that moment, according to the plea agreement, Gaither approached the restrained suspect and struck him twice in the face as he was being lifted off the ground. The assault, described as unjustified and without legal purpose, left the man with a broken nose.
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Gaither now faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. His sentencing is set for May 2.
The FBI conducted the investigation into the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug is leading the prosecution.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to hold law enforcement officers accountable for civil rights violations. While officers are given authority to enforce the law, prosecutors emphasized that no badge grants the right to use unlawful force.
