Prosecutor considers charges against officers in St. Paul arrest video

The Olmsted County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case involving a St. Paul officer that kicked a suspect during an arrest. A prosecutor will determine whether of not the officer in a video captured by a witness, along with another officer related to the case, should face charges.

Author:: BMTN Staff
Updated:: Mar 8, 2018
Original:: Sep 25, 2012

The Olmstead County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case involving a St. Paul officer that kicked a suspect during an arrest.

The Pioneer Press reports the case was transferred from Ramsey County to Olmsted County to avoid any conflict of interest. A prosecutor will decide whether or not to charge the officers involved.

The video taken by a witness shows Officer Jesse Zilge kick the head of 30-year-old Eric Ronnell Hightower in St. Paul last month.

WARNING: Video includes profanity

Zilge and a second officer involved in the arrest, Matthew Gorans, were placed on paid administrative leave and have returned to non-patrol duties.

Hightower was charged after the controversial arrest and pleaded not guilty to aggravated stalking, terroristic threats and criminal damage to property. Hightower had another run-in with police last Monday after jumping out a window at the Highway Motel in St. Paul.