By Dan Wiederer, Star Tribune (Minneapolis) –
Vikings star Adrian Peterson will not have to spend the Thursday of his bye week in a Houston courtroom after all.
On Tuesday, a grand jury in Harris County found no probable cause for Peterson’s July arrest at a Houston nightclub, according to attorney Rusty Hardin.
As a result, the charge that Peterson had resisted arrest during that incident was dismissed.
Peterson had been scheduled to appear at a hearing Thursday where, Hardin said, a February trial date likely would have been set. Now, thanks to the grand jury’s ruling, that won’t be necessary.
Peterson’s legal saga began July 7 when he was taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest following an incident with police and night club security at Live! At Bayou Place.
Peterson was a patron at that establishment and, according to allegations by the Houston Police Department, had grown belligerent when asked to leave at closing time. One officer alleged Peterson shoved him as the tension heightened.
Peterson denied those accusations and asserted he had been treated unfairly, with police tackling and punching him during their arrest. Peterson emerged with his face swollen.
He never denied exchanging heated words with club security and police but always was adamant he did nothing to warrant an arrest.
Peterson was bothered by the allegations, which were seemingly out of character for the often gracious and jovial running back. He vowed to fight the charge until his name was cleared. That’s why Tuesday’s grand jury finding provided so much satisfaction.
“Adrian had always had a sense of irritation that he was being lied about and didn’t do what he was being charged with,” Hardin said. “But he was also always very confident that he knew exactly what happened. And he believed, like I did, that when 12 citizens heard things, they would easily conclude he didn’t do what he was charged with.”
According to Hardin,
Peterson was one of five witnesses to testify in front of the grand jury. Also taking the stand were three nightclub employees and one of the two officers who had made the initial allegations against Peterson.
“The grand jury took the position that there was no probable cause for the arrest or the charge and that the case should not proceed,” Hardin said. “Now Adrian can enjoy the week off.”
