Cop faces discipline in rioting, all other officers cleared

Of 11 formal complaints filed against police for brutality during the riots, an internal investigation was only able to substantiate the claim against the officer, Hoover said.

The officer is accused of pushing a suspect's face against a van as he made the arrest. Hoover declined to identify the officer, saying the case was a personnel matter.

"He faces serious discipline. (The suspect's) head did not need to be pushed against the van," Hoover said, adding he will review a recommendation by deputy police chiefs to suspend the officer.

Police in riot gear used tear gas and dogs to quell the August melee that broke out downtown during the city's annual classic car festival. More than 200 people were arrested.

Many people complained they were battered by police because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Police Internal Affairs Lt. George Maskaly said his office obtained hotel surveillance videos, television video, private camcorder video and photographs in an effort to corroborate stories.

But he said investigators could not find enough evidence to substantiate claims.

Nine of the 11 people filing formal complaints pleaded guilty in court to charges, Maskaly said. The city dropped charges against one person and another person failed to appear for court.

Hoover acknowledged some problems with officers, including numerous reports of police yelling obscenities, and said there will be retraining.

But the chief said he was not dissatisfied with the police response during the riots.

"We were out there for five days with 100 officers per day," he said. "They must have made 35,000 contacts (with citizens) ... there were 11 complaints ... no evidence of wrongdoing."

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