Witness describes alleged beating in Asher trial

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - An eyewitness says he heard a "disgusting, distinctive sound" when former Springfield police officer Jeffrey Asher allegedly beat Melvin Jones, III during a 2009 traffic stop.

Wednesday morning, Anthony Mack was the first witness to testify in the trial of Asher, has pleaded not guilty to assault charges for the November 2009 incident on Rifle Street in Springfield.

The former patrolman is accused of beating Jones with a flashlight. The incident was caught on video, and some have cited the incident as an example of police brutality. Following the incident, Jones was unconscious, had lost sight in one eye, and had broken bones and teeth.

Mack, who was with the woman who captured the video, said that he had seen one officer grab Jones, and another officer strike him an estimated 17 to 18 times with a flashlight. "Sounded like something hard hitting metal or something. It was a real disgusting, distinctive sound that I heard," Mack said during his testimony at Chicopee District Court.

Prosecutors say that Asher's use of force was unreasonable, but Asher’s attorney, Joseph Monahan, III said that his client’s actions were justified.

The Springfield police department fired Asher in October of 2010. If convicted, Asher could face up to 10 years in prison.