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A St. Paul police officer seen in dashboard camera video kicking a man during controversial arrest in June, is no longer on the force, the department said Monday.


That's a change from Friday, when police described Brett Palkowitsch as being on unpaid leave as they released video of him kicking Frank Baker, an African-American man who lay on the ground as a police dog bit him. 

The incident led St. Paul police chief Todd Axtell to 

, 53, and discipline Palkowitsch and Brian Ficcadenti, the officer who released the K-9 that bit Baker.

Video shows man bitten by K-9, kicked by St. Paul cop; chief apologizes


On Monday, department spokesperson Mike Ernster said the Palkowitsch's status has not changed, but that the description of his employment last week did not accurately reflect the situation. Palkowitsch is no longer with the department but state law prohibits disclosing whether the departure was voluntary or if Palkowitsch was fired, Ernster added.


Ficcadenti was initially going to be fired, according to a settlement agreement he reached with the department. He's instead serving a 30-day unpaid suspension.

The video has language that may offend some, and it may be difficult to view.

Crime, Law and Justice

Tim Nelson

Author

Officer Brett Palkowitsch, seen in dashboard camera video kicking a man in the ribs as he lay on the ground during controversial arrest, no longer works for St. Paul police, the department said Monday.

St. Paul cop who kicked man in K-9 incident is off the force

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