Austrian policeman pleads not guilty to assault of black American but admits he used force

Austrian cop pleads innocent to attack of American

VIENNA — An undercover policeman has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a black American teacher after mistaking him for a drug dealer at a Vienna subway station.

The 36-year-old policeman, who cannot be named under Austrian law, acknowledged in court Thursday that he used force to floor Mike Brennan on February 11, 2009. Brennan, a former football player, was injured, and the incident sparked outrage among the Vienna’s expatriate community.

Brennan, in his testimony, disputed the policeman’s claims that he had identified himself and told Brennan to freeze. Instead, he said the policeman tackled and punched him immediately after he got off the subway.

The timing of a verdict is unclear. If convicted, the policeman could face up to six months in prison.