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Rupa Shenoy
ST. PAUL, Minn.

Mpls. SWAT cop found guilty in bar assault

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A Minneapolis police sergeant has been found guilty of assault for punching a 44-year-old man at a bar in June.

A jury in Anoka County on Saturday morning found David Clifford, 48, guilty on three counts of assault: one first-degree, one third-degree and one misdemeanor charge.

Clifford, a member of Minneapolis' SWAT team, was accused of striking Brian Vander Lee at Tanner's Station in Andover, Minn. The Anoka County Attorney's Office says Vander Lee hit his head on a concrete patio and suffered a brain injury.

In a statement, Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo said, "Clifford needed to be held accountable for his actions, and the jury agreed."

On the Minneapolis Police Department's Facebook page, Chief Janee Harteau wrote that Clifford's actions were not consistent with the department's values and standards and should not negatively reflect on other officers.

Minneapolis city attorney Susan Segal said Clifford is officially still a member of the Police Department.

Clifford's lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His next court appointment is scheduled for May 29.