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Charges dismissed against Columbus police officer accused of misconduct during 2020 protests

Traci Shaw was charged with interfering with civil rights, assault and dereliction of duty for her alleged involvement during the protests.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Charges were dismissed on Wednesday against a Columbus Division of Police officer accused of misconduct during protests downtown two years ago.

Traci Shaw was charged with interfering with civil rights, assault and dereliction of duty for her alleged involvement during the protests following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.

Court documents stated that Shaw was captured on video exiting her marked cruiser near the intersection of High and Goodale streets, walking up to people on the sidewalk and pepper-spraying three people.

One person who was pepper-sprayed said they were walking home and were several blocks from the crowd of protesters when the incident happened. All three told authorities Shaw never spoke or said anything to them.

According to court documents, Attorney Mark Collins argued that the charges against Shaw should be dismissed because the investigation did not follow requirements written in state law.

The judge then granted the request. 

She was one of three officers charged with misdemeanors after an investigation by retired FBI agent Rick Wozniak and special prosecutor Kathleen Garber. 

Charges were also brought against Sergeant Holly Kanode and officer Phillip Walls for other incidents related to protest response.

Last week, Kanode was found not guilty of falsification and dereliction of duty charges. 

Walls is charged with two counts each of assault, dereliction of duty and interfering with civil rights His trial is scheduled for August.

The Columbus chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement, saying that it's pleased that charges were dismissed against Shaw.

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