Asheville police officer charged, suspended after use of force investigation

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — One officer with the Asheville Police Department (APD) has been suspended and faces charges as a result of an investigation into a February incident.

A press release from APD states that on Feb. 11, 2020, Senior Police Officer (SPO) Anthony Sorangelo and several other officers responded to reports of an intoxicated man lying on Hendersonville Road. The release says that while officers attempted to arrest the intoxicated man, he became "agitated and combative" while officer Sorangelo was assisting him into a patrol vehicle.

APD confirms force was used during the arrest. According to a criminal summons, Sorangelo struck the man in the face with a "closed fist" during the arrest.

Per the department's Use of Force policy, the release states the February incident was reported. After reviewing the events, Chief David Zack "determined that a criminal investigation was necessary," according to the release, and the Buncombe County District Attorney's Office was notified. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was requested to conduct an independent investigation, which was submitted in completion to the District Attorney's Office last week.

After review, District Attorney Todd Williams requested that the SBI charge SPO Sorgangelo with misdemeanor simple assault. On June 29, Sorangelo was charged and placed on investigative suspension pending the completion of an internal review, according to APD.

If anyone has questions regarding this criminal investigation, contact the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office at (828) 259-3410.

This is a developing story. Check back at www.wlos.com for updates.