As expected, judge dismisses drug charge against man repeatedly beaten by Detroit-area officer

DETROIT – A judge has dismissed a drug charge against a man who was repeatedly punched by a Detroit-area police officer during a violent arrest.

Judge David Groner granted the request of prosecutors Wednesday, two days after fired Inkster Officer William Melendez was charged with assault in the January traffic stop.

Prosecutors had promised to drop the drug charge. Floyd Dent says he now plans to "get some sleep." He claims the cocaine was planted by officers during the arrest.

Dent's head and shirt were bloody after he was pulled from his car and struck by Melendez. The arrest was recorded on police video, but the video was unknown to the public until a TV station aired it in March.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy said she was unaware of it.