Two officers with the Springfield (MA) Police Department have been accused of using excessive force while arresting two teens of Latino heritage, with one of the officers saying at the time of the arrest, "welcome to the white man's world," according to the Associated Press.
Springfield police Officer Gregg Bigda and former detective Steven Vignault pleaded not guilty during an initial court appearance Wednesday, hours after they were arrested. A judge released both men without bail.
Bigda served a 60-day suspension in connection with the February 2016 incident. Vigneault has since retired from the force.