SPOKANE, Wash – A man charged with assaulting a federal agent who arrested him in the front yard of his home is a free man, found not guilty by a jury in federal court.
The jury acquitted Martin Diaz Tuesday and a judge ordered his release.
Ring cameras captured a U.S. Border Patrol agent tackling Diaz in his yard.
Federal prosecutors said Diaz swung his arms backwards during the arrest, hitting the agent in the eye.
They said he swore at the agent as well.
The defense contends video of the incident does not show Diaz striking the agent and the other agents on the scene did not see it either.
He had previously been ordered out of the country by a judge, but had an active motion to reopen those proceedings, which is why defense attorneys said he was confused about why he was targeted for immigration enforcement.
He faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted of assault on a federal officer.
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