CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Nearly 100 supporters looked on as a University of Virginia student arrested by state alcohol regulators in a bloody encounter made his first court appearance.
On Thursday, Martese Johnson’s case was continued until state police complete an investigation into his arrest March 18 outside a Charlottesville bar.
The 20-year-old Chicago man is charged with public intoxication and obstruction of justice.
Johnson’s arrest March 18 has drawn wide attention because images of him with a bloody face spread quickly on social media. He has accused Alcoholic Beverage Control officers of racism. Johnson is African-American.
Supporters in Charlottesville General District Court were dressed in black in a show of unity.
The case was continued until May 28.
In this photo provided by Bryan Beaubrun, Martese Johnson is held down by an officer Wednesday, March 18, 2015, in Charlottesville, Va.
HEIDI BROWN, Associated Press
