From Staff Reports

After pleading guilty in the case, a former Asheville police officer accused of assaulting a black pedestrian in 2017 was sentenced Aug. 9 to 12 months of probation.

Christopher Hickman, 32, pleaded guilty to communicating threats, assault inflicting serious injury, and felony assault by strangulation.

As part of the plea agreement, Hickman will have all charges dismissed and expunged from his record if he meets all requirements of his probation and community service, according to defense attorneys.

The plea was done through a restorative justice program, which involved both Hickman and assault victim Johnnie Rush sitting down and talking face-to-face.

In court on Aug. 9, District Attorney Todd Williams said Hickman met Rush last fall, took responsibility for his actions and apologized.