SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Eighty potential jurors were called Monday for the federal trial of Spokane Police Officer Karl Thompson, who is accused of using excessive force in the deadly beating of a mentally ill janitor in 2006.
Thompson is accused of repeatedly striking Otto Zehm with a baton and Tasering him. City officials said the man menaced officers, and two women erroneously reported that Zehm stole money from them.
Thompson is also charged with violating Zehm’s civil rights.
The Spokane Police Department cleared Thompson of wrongdoing and his defense will argue the officer felt threatened by Zehm and used appropriate force.
___
Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com
