Man sentenced in brutal beating of Suffolk police officer

Suffolk, Va. – The man who nearly beat a police officer to death earlier this year was sentenced today.

On Monday, December 10, 2012, Joe Staton was sentenced to life in prison, plus 40 years.

Joe Staton brutally beat Suffolk police officer James Winslow during a traffic stop back in May.

Staton was pulled over for driving a stolen SUV. He ran off – and Officer Winslow chased him into the woods where the attack happened.

Staton avoided attempted capital murder charges as part of a plea deal.