Hearing Begins For Officer In Freddie Gray Case

BALTIMORE (AP) - Attorneys have given opening arguments in a police disciplinary hearing that began Monday for Officer Caesar Goodson.

An attorney for the Baltimore Police Department says Goodson should be fired for failing to follow procedures while driving a van that was transporting a man who ended up dying in custody.

Neil Duke says Goodson failed to do his duty to fasten Freddie Gray into a seatbelt after Gray's arrest in 2015.

But Goodson's attorney says the officer didn't receive proper direction from the department on recent policy changes regarding seatbelt use.

Goodson was acquitted of murder and other charges last year.

Gray was critically injured during the van ride and died about a week later. His death sparked riots in Baltimore.

Two members of the Baltimore Police Department and one outside chair will consider whether Goodson violated department policies and procedures. Then they'll decide whether the officer should be disciplined and what the punishment will be. The hearing is expected to last up to five days.

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