All charges against 82-year-old Steadman Scotland have been dropped. Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason dismissed the six charges on Monday, stating that justice would be best served by throwing out the matter entirely.

Scotland, a well-known community member and former driver for the U.S. Embassy, had been facing multiple charges, including Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Battery on Police, Failing to Give Name, Failing to Comply with Lawful Direction, and Threatening Language. The charges stemmed from an incident outside a barber shop in St John’s, which was recorded on a cellphone and widely circulated on social media, triggering public outrage over the conduct of the officers involved.

Prosecutors had sought to defer the charges pending an evaluation, but Magistrate Wason ruled against the request, stating that he was not willing to adjourn the matter for any period. He concluded that allowing the case to proceed would serve no good purpose.

The arrest, which reportedly began with an alleged traffic violation last weekend, escalated into a physical confrontation with police. The viral video footage showed a uniformed officer forcibly removing Scotland from the barber shop. Scotland later spoke out about the incident, claiming that what started as a routine haircut turned into a violent encounter with law enforcement. Concerns over the police’s use of force were heightened due to Scotland’s recent medical history, having undergone brain surgery not long before the altercation.

Following public backlash, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda confirmed that its Office of Professional Standards had launched a formal review into the matter. However, with the charges now dismissed, it remains to be seen what, if any, further actions will be taken regarding the officers’ handling of the situation.