Judge sentences police officer in retail assault case

DETROIT — A Detroit police officer accused of assaulting a shopper at a store while moonlighting as a security guard has been sentenced to three years of probation.

Officer Lonnie Wade learned his punishment this week after earlier pleading no contest to an assault charge.

He also may no longer work as a security guard. The 65-year-old declined to speak in court.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office said Wade was wearing his police uniform while working at a Meijer store on Oct. 10.

A shopper, David Bivins, was hit in the head and face with a baton after Wade questioned him about bags in his cart.

The prosecutor's office said there was no evidence of aggressive behavior by the 23-year-old Bivins.

The encounter was recorded on video and witnessed by other shoppers.