You're right, and even if was the case, tampering with evidence would sink him. "It ain't what you do that get's you in trouble, it's lying about it.".
In this case, it's both that got him in trouble.
Even if the guy were a serial killer or some other such dangerous individual, that SOB was SLOW. The cop could have quite easily chased him down in a matter for a few yards, tackled and restrained him, and executed an arrest or temporary detention without executing the suspect.
Agreed! The, now victim, wasn't setting any 40 records. Heck, if the officer had ran after him as fast as he ran for what ever he picked up off the ground he would have easily caught him.
