William Ortiz v. Robert Piepiora, and Barrett Restaurants, Inc., d/b/a The Charlie Horse

On August 28, 2011, West Bridgewater police officer Robert Piepiora was working a paid detail at a bar. William Ortiz was outside using his cell phone to call for a ride when the bar’s manager began aggressively telling Ortiz that he could not drive. Ortiz, who had already assured the manager that he was not driving, told the manager to leave him alone. Without warning, Piepiora grabbed Ortiz from behind and slammed him face first into the pavement. The impact knocked out two of Ortiz’s teeth and fractured his upper jaw bone. He required a bone graft to repair his jaw. Piepiora arrested Ortiz for assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. All charges were dismissed.