Cop Who Punched Man, Tripped Pregnant Woman In Viral Video Gets Promoted

DENVER — Just one week after FOX31 Denver first aired a citizen’s videotape of a police officer punching a drug suspect in the face, then tripping his pregnant girlfriend, the Denver Police Department has given that same officer a promotion.

Charles “Chris” Jones IV is one of five officers who received a raise and new sergeant stripes on Wednesday during a ceremony.

The move has infuriated members of the Colorado Latino Forum, who say they shared a lengthy report with Denver Police commanders on that same day about the “ongoing culture of violence” within the department.

“It’s outrageous!” says Latino Forum member Lisa Calderon. “This takes us backwards. We have little trust left. It tells us that they are not listening and at a time of national outcry, what does it take to get them to be responsive?”

Both human resources records and Denver Police Commander, Matt Murray, confirmed the promotion to FOX31 Denver.

Murray said “There would have been nothing to preclude anybody from being promoted in this situation. DPD does not have a specific policy regarding when we would or wouldn’t promote someone.”