The Duluth police officer who was videotaped punching a presumably intoxicated man in a wheelchair at the Duluth Detoxification Center was charged Thursday with fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Footage has been released showing a Duluth Police officer named Richard Jouppi, 34, who on September 21st at the Duluth Detoxification Center, repeatedly punched a 50-year-old, intoxicated, wheelchair-bound man repeatedly in the face in aggressive assault.

Richard Jouppi, 35, has been summoned to appear in State District Court in Duluth in connection with the Sept. 21 incident. The date for his appearance has not yet been scheduled. The crimes are misdemeanors each punishable by a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Duluth Deputy Police Chief Mike Tusken said last week his department would seek the fifth-degree assault charge after reviewing video showing Jouppi attempting to restrain a belligerent Anthony Jon Jackson and then punching Jackson repeatedly after Jackson struck Jouppi once in the face.

“I believe this officer did his job and acted appropriately. When police officers subdue people it’s very unusual for somebody to strike a police officer and, frankly, extremely dangerous,” Bruno said. “He (Jouppi) responded according to his training and experience and did what he had to do.”

“He attacked a police officer, and when somebody punches a police officer, it’s not always pretty,” Bruno said. “Police officers are supposed to win. It’s not pretty to watch. (Of course it isn't, read the whole story)