Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) apologized on Tuesday for what he described as the “excessive force” used by a cop who slammed a 57-year-old Indian grandfather to the ground while questioning him, NBC News reported.
Bentley’s apology, directed to the government of India, came with an order that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency conduct an investigation into the incident.
“I deeply regret the unfortunate use of excessive force by the Madison Police Department on Sureshbhai Patel and for the injuries sustained by Mr. Patel,” Bentley said in a letter to India’s general consul in Atlanta. “I sincerely hope that Mr. Patel continues to improve and that he will regain full use of his legs.”
“Finally, and most important, please accept our sincere apology for this tragic incident to your government, Mr. Patel, and the citizens of India who reside and work in our state,” Bentley continued.
Officer Eric Parker was charged with third-degree assault in the Feb. 6 incident that left Patel partially paralyzed.
Patel was in the United States helping his son and daughter-in-law take care of their young son.