Dover Officer Thomas Webster IV Takes the Stand in Court

Dover Officer Thomas Webster IV Takes the Stand in Court

(DOVER, Del.)- A packed house filled the courtroom Thursday for the third day of the high profile Webster Trial.

Webster took that stand to justify his actions after he kicked Lateef Dickerson in the head August 24, 2013.

Webster stated he did not mean to kick Dickerson in the head. He meant to kick him in the upper body. He said he missed and hit his head.

The prosecution had a problem with that testimony. It was never put into writing. His intentions were never written in his "use of force" report which was turned in to Sargent Todd Case who testified Monday.

This is information community activist Bobby Wilson thinks is vital to the case.

Get our all-good news weekly newsletter
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

"He was on the force for 10 years," Wilson said. "This should have been in his 'use of force' report. It was a serious blow, and it caused damage."

The kick to the head broke Lateef Dickerson's jaw. Webster took him to the hospital after the incident where he was treated.

The defense argues officers have to make decision in "split seconds." Webster also said he feared for his life and those around him. The incident happened at a "Hess" gas station. He said there were people around and a busy highway across from them with traffic flowing by. He told the jury Dickerson was not complying with his verbal orders to "get on the ground."

With each day, more people are attending this public trial. Wilson said it is important for the community to know what is going on in their own backyard.

"We are letting the authorities know we want justice for all citizens across the board," Wilson said.

The Webster Trial will continue Friday morning at 9 a.m. in Delaware State Superior Court.