Police Recommend Charges In Kicking Case

SPOKANE – Officers with the Spokane Police Department have confirmed they are recommending charges be filed against one of their own for a recent altercation between an officer and a detainee.

Spokane Police Lieutenant Dave McGovern said Friday afternoon the department is forwarding to the prosecutor’s office their recommendation to file charges against veteran officer Rob Boothe for an incident where he allegedly kicked a detainee in his custody.

Officer Jennifer DeRuwe confirmed the department recommended a charge of 4th Degree Misdemeanor Assault against Boothe.

The case is now in the hands of City Prosecutor Howard Delaney.

Boothe, a 14-year-veteran of the force, was placed on paid administrative leave after a car chase and foot pursuit with 22-year-old John Luna. As Boothe was taking Luna into custody he allegedly kicked the suspect while he was handcuffed and lying on the ground.

The incident was witnessed by two of Boothe’s fellow officers and reported to their superiors on the force. A third officer said he did not witness the attack, but did hear Luna complain about being kicked.

If Delaney pressed the charge against Boothe and if he was found guilty on the single misdemeanor offense it not one that would be grounds for his decertification as a law enforcement officer.