September Trial Date Set for U.Va. Student in Bloody Arrest

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. ― A September trial date has been set for a University of Virginia student whose bloody arrest outside a bar sparked a public uproar.

Martese Johnson’s arrest in March gained widespread attention when photos and videos on social media showed the 20-year-old from Chicago’s face bloodied and him pinned on the ground by a state Alcohol Beverage Control Department agent.

Johnson is Black and has called the police racist. Johnson is charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice without force.

WDBJ-TV reports that Johnson’s trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 30. A status hearing on the case is set for June 12.