Police officer acquitted of assault charges

JEFFERSONVILLE - A Jeffersonville police officer was acquitted of assault charges Friday, nearly two years after she and a Twiggs County deputy got into a scuffle at a crime scene. <br> <br> Phyliss Hutchins admitted taking out her gun during the argument with Deputy Greg Stone, but she said it was pointed down the entire time. Stone testified the weapon was pointed at him. <br> <br> ``This has been two years,&#39;&#39; Hutchins said after the verdict, fighting back tears outside of the Twiggs County temporary courthouse. ``Sheer torture. This was a travesty. This was a waste of the taxpayers&#39; time and money. It never should have gone to trial.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Stone declined comment. Hutchins, who was on administrative leave and then desk duty after the incident, will be promoted to chief investigator, Assistant Chief Larry Jamison said. <br> <br> On June 6, 2000, Jeffersonville Officer Sabrina King was flagged down at a crime scene just outside the city limits. She called for county backup but none came. Later, after deputies responded to the scene, King and Hutchins returned to the scene. Hutchins, apparently upset that Stone did not respond quickly, confronted the deputy. <br> <br> Three of the seven witnesses who testified Monday said Hutchins struck Stone as he sat in his car. Two said Stone followed Hutchins and grabbed her by the arm. All agreed that Stone and Hutchins were arguing loudly.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/4/195754