Officer Jeffery Asher Accused of Assault

For the past two years, Officer Jeffrey Asher has worked in the records department, in plain clothes, at Springfield Police Headquarters.

It was an assignment that was supposed to keep him out of the kind of trouble he apologized for in 2007.

"And if the performance of my duties, I have any way offended any individual or group, I extend my sincere apology," said Officer Asher

Those words spoken in 2007 coming back to haunt Officer Jeffrey Asher. This video shot by a neighbor shows a police traffic stop the night of November 27th.

Melvin Jones III of Springfield was a passenger in the car and according to the incident report, was resisting arrest.

The report indicates Officer Asher was the cop swinging a flashlight after Jones allegedly tried to grab an officer's gun.

Jones’s father, who shares a name with his son, says Officer Asher should be fired.

"This guy doesn't need to be on the police force, that’s my opinion. I don’t think he should be. Something needs to be done about the way he treats suspects or whatever, particularity black men."

It’s not the first time Asher was caught on tape. In 1997, video shows him kicking a black suspect who had already been subdued by other officers.

Asher was suspended for six months without pay. Then, in 2004 he accused of beating a black school principal who was acting strangely during a medical crisis.

Asher was cleared by the Police Commission and returned to the force again, this time behind a desk, but in November 27th, he was on patrol.

"Officer Asher is assigned to the inside duty. He works in the records division in plain clothes, he has been since 2007. He works inside, this particular evening he was assigned by a supervisor where he was working a Shannon Grant extra detail, like an extra job. So that is the reason he was on the street last night," said Sgt. Delaney.

Mayor Domenic Sarno says he was alarmed to hear of the latest allegations.

"It is disturbing. There are rules and regulations that have to be followed to protect the integrity of residents and the integrity of the police department. Police know my reputation when it comes to public safety and race relations," said Mayor Sarno.