Arthur Williams pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in court despite the State wanting to keep him locked up without bail.
From the top of his class in April to wrist and ankle shackles at Courthouse East, now former Baltimore Police officer Arthur Willimiams had his initial appearance in court.
He pleaded not guilty to charges and second-degree assault of a victim Saturday morning on East Monument Street.
A video has gone viral but his attorney says it doesn't tell the whole story.
"This is someone who has done a lot of good for a lot of people, and obviously the video and the perception of what the public has is a different one then what the facts will show," said Thomas Maronick Jr., attorney.
That was part of the argument Thomas made before Judge Peters.
Williams has no record, is a mentor, a Baltimore City native, and a marine.
While the State argued for the former officer to be held without bail, the judge released Williams on his own recognizance. He will walk out of Central Booking Wednesday and await his trial in October.
"Arthur is not a threat to anyone in the community, he looks very much forward to his day in court, his chance to tell his side of the story, and I think that is what we will be able to do."
Williams' story will include a history between him and the victim some of which is seen in a June arrest involving the same two men.
But also Williams attorney hinted at a forced resignation from the BPD saying the Union threw his client under the bus.
A long fall from Williams celebrated graduation from the academy almost 4 months ago. That night sharing the stage with the Mayor who today says she too was shocked to see the video.
"It's always been said at every graduation that it's not about arresting people it's about the relationships that we build. But restraint is important as a police officer because they confront so many different issues in the street. He will have his day in court, and we will wait for the outcome," said Mayor Pugh.
Williams is scheduled to stand trial on October 23.
Other related links:
Baltimore Police release statement on their findings of Saturday's viral video incident
Community reacts toviralvideo involving two Baltimore police officers
Attorney ofmanbeaten by BPD officer speaks out aboutviralvideo: "This was a cowardly act."
