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[AP]

Arbitrator Order Office Seen Hitting Suspect Rehired

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EUCLID, Ohio (AP) – An arbitrator has ruled that a police officer fired after he was seen on video hitting a man during a traffic stop be reinstated to an Ohio police force.

The ruling issued Monday says Euclid’s mayor didn’t have cause to fire Patrolman Michael Amiott. Video showed Amiott punching Richard Hubbard III during an Aug. 12, 2017 traffic stop in the Cleveland suburb.

The police union argued Amiott used reasonable force to control Hubbard when he resisted arrest and wounded an officer.

Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail says she believes the firing was warranted, but will accept the ruling.

Hubbard and his attorney, Christopher McNeal, called the ruling “dumfounding. McNeal says it’s sending a “shameful and dangerous message.”

Euclid’s law director says Amiott must meet several conditions, including more training.