DENVER - A TV producer testified on Thursday that it is a sound he will never forget: the sound of teeth breaking on cement.
The producer testified in the trial of Denver Police Officer Mike Cordova. He is charged with assaulting a man on opening day of the Rockies season in 2008.
It happened outside of Coors Field. The TV crew, which was there for opening day, shot video of Cordova taking John Heaney's head and slamming it into the sidewalk as Heaney lay on the ground with his hands held behind his back.
If Cordova is convicted of the third-degree assault charge against him, he could lose his police badge.
Heaney also testified on Thursday and described how he couldn't breathe during the arrest. He says he was bleeding and spitting out broken teeth afterward.
Cordova's attorneys say Heaney started the fight and resisted arrest - causing his own injuries.
Heaney maintains Cordova and another officer attacked him first.
After the arrest, Heaney was charged with assaulting a police officer and faced going to jail. However, 9Wants to Know showed the video of the incident to law enforcement and the charges against him were dropped.
Cordova was then charged with assault.
The video of the arrest was played twice in court on Thursday.
Cordova is a corporal who has been with the Denver Police Department for eight years. He has been suspended without pay during the trial. By law, if he is found guilty, he will lose his certificate to be a police officer.
The trial is expected to wrap up on Monday.
Heaney is also suing the department and the officers involved in a civil suit.