Misconduct charges filed against Chicago police officer

CHICAGO (AP) - Official misconduct charges were filed against a Chicago police officer accused of punching and pushing a man who hit him after being transported to a hospital.

Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Theresa Smith said Tuesday that Officer Clauzell Gause was captured on hospital surveillance footage punching and shoving the 24-year-old victim. The man was being transported by Gause and another officer for a mental health evaluation at Jackson Park Hospital on the night of June 3, 2014.

Smith says the man, who punched the officer, was eventually restrained and handcuffed, after which Gause allegedly pushed him into an observation room and punched the man several times.

Defense attorney William Fahy noted Gause has "honorably" served the Chicago Police Department for the past 12 years.

Gause was released on his own recognizance.