Worcester Officer Charged With Assaulting Prisoner

A Worcester police officer is heading to court to face charges that he assaulted a handcuffed and shackled prisoner and made racially disparaging remarks to the man.

Michael Motyka is scheduled to be arraigned Friday on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The 50-year-old Motyka was arrested Thursday following an internal investigation.

The 48-year-old alleged victim says Motyka entered the holding cell, punched him, threw him to the floor and kicked him and made a remark about the man's "black skin."

The alleged victim came forward on March 17.

Chief Gary Gemme called the allegation a "blemish" on the department.

It was not clear if Motyka has a lawyer. A message left for a Michael Motyka in the Worcester area was not immediately returned.