Defense to call witnesses in trial of Alabama officer accused of excessive force

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Witnesses are set to testify on behalf of an Alabama police officer who was recorded slamming an Indian grandfather to the ground.

The trial of Madison police officer Eric Parker continues Friday morning in Huntsville.

Parker slammed 58-year-old Sureshbhai Patel (suh-REHSH'-by pah-TEL') to the ground in February, saying he defied orders and reached for his pockets.

Patel said through an interpreter that he doesn't understand English, didn't understand the officer's orders and never reached for his pockets.

Prosecutors called their final witnesses Thursday and Parker's defense attorney Robert Tuten has said he plans on having Parker take the stand.

Two Madison police officials have said they considered Patel's takedown unnecessary and he wasn't a threat. Tuten has said the stop and takedown were appropriate considering the circumstances.