Teen reportedly assaulted by officer suffered serious bodily injury

DENVER - A Denver Police report says a 16-year-old was beaten by an officer last month after police saw him drinking what appeared to be alcohol and then ran away.

The teenager, Juan "Willie" Vasquez suffered a lacerated liver, broken ribs, kidney injuries and still has a tube in his back.

He has also had two surgeries. A Denver Health physician said Vasquez sustained, "serious bodily injury to his internal organs."

Vasquez claims when he was lying on the ground, an officer stood on his back and jumped up an down three to five times causing him pain.

Two other officers witnessed the incident and identified the officer as Charles Porter, a 12-year veteran of the department.

Porter was charged with using excessive force and has been suspended without pay.

Denver Police took Vasquez into custody after the incident last month but the teenager has not been charged.

Denver Police say the case is still under investigation.