BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A Buffalo police officer is accused of assaulting a person in custody.
The Erie County District Attorney says 31-year-old Joseph Hassett turned himself in to police Tuesday morning for allegedly injuring a person in custody back on March 18.
Officials say the victim was treated at ECMC for a head injury and a cut above the eyebrow.
The DA received a video appearing to show Hassett assaulting the victim in May.
When Hassett's statement of the incident didn't match the video, the DA furthered his investigation.
"There are certain times when officers do things that are wrong, and no matter what some people think, injuring or roughing up a prisoner, in my opinion, is wrong," said John Flynn, (D) Erie County DA.
They say Hassett has been charged with two counts of assault and two counts for filing a false statement relating to the incident.
Meanwhile, Hassett's attorney says his client's use of force was justified to gain control of a person resisting officers.
He released a statement that says, in part: "Officer Hassett is a highly decorated, brave and proud police officer, who serves his community with honor and pride. He is the recipient of the BPD’s Medal of Honor, for valor and bravery in the line of duty, awarded after he was shot while apprehending a fleeing suspect in 2013."
Hassett has been suspended from the force since May 30 and will be arraigned in City Court next week.