Authorities say officer attacked woman, falsely arrested her

CLEVELAND – Authorities say a Cleveland police officer attacked a woman and had her arrested for assaulting a police officer.

Sgt. Christopher Graham, of Wellington, was charged Thursday with misdemeanour assault and unlawful restraint. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance Friday morning.

A Cleveland police Internal Affairs detective wrote in court papers that the 38-year-old Graham assaulted the woman Sept. 12 and then had her arrested on the felony assault charge.

Officials haven’t said why Graham allegedly attacked the woman.

Cleveland.com reports that Cleveland paid settlements in two lawsuits filed against Graham that accused him of misusing his police power.

Graham’s attorney didn’t return telephone messages seeking comment Friday.

A police spokeswoman didn’t respond to an email asking about Graham’s status with the department.