PG County Officer Accused Of Assaulting A Homeowner Starts Trial On Tuesday

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (WJZ) -- The trial of the Prince George's County police officer accused of inappropriately using his service weapon begins on Tuesday morning.

In 2014, PGCD officer Jenchesky Santiago approached a vehicle that was parked in front of a home in Bowie to tell the driver and passenger that they were parked there illegally.

The driver said he was dropping off his cousin, William Cunningham, who was the owner of the home.

As Cunningham exited the car to enter his home, Santiago ordered him to return to the vehicle.

When Cunningham failed to return to the vehicle, Santiago blocked Cunningham as he was attempting to enter the house. He then brandished his service weapon and placed it against Cunningham's head and pushed him back toward the car. Santiago also pointed his gun at Cunningham's mouth.

Santiago then searched the two men once they returned to the car. Cunningham's wife later came out of the house and confirmed that Cunningham lived there.

After conducting an internal investigation into the incident, Prince George's County Police brought the case to the State's Attorney's Office so the office could investigate for possible criminal charges.

The trial date is set for December 1 at 9 a.m. at the Prince George's County Courthouse.