[Archived] Alexandria Police Officer Charged with Assault and Battery for Unjustified Use of Force

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2020 

Alexandria Police Officer Jonathan B. Griffin was arrested on the evening of June 30 and charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, for the unjustified use of force while on duty.  

On January 27, Officer Griffin took an individual into protective custody for a health evaluation. While escorting the individual in handcuffs, Officer Griffin used force to take the individual to the ground. The individual sustained multiple injuries on the front of his body as a result of the action. A subsequent investigation found that no force was necessary or justified. No weapons were involved in the incident. 

Officer Griffin was placed on administrative leave on June 3, with his police powers suspended. On June 26, he was notified that the process had been initiated to terminate his employment and the use of force had been referred to the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The employment termination process is expected to be finalized by mid-July. Three supervisors who failed to investigate the use of force promptly enough have also been disciplined. 

Following his arrest, Officer Griffin was booked at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center in Alexandria and released pending arraignment in Alexandria General District Court on August 4. This is the standard protocol for most misdemeanor bookings during the COVID-19 pandemic, to reduce the risk of exposure to inmates and staff. 

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Craig T. Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965. However, because this matter is part of an ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution, it would be inappropriate for the City to publish additional evidence that may be necessary to prosecute the case. The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is the lead agency for the criminal prosecution and has indicated that it will not make public comments about this case outside of regular court proceedings.