YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — A federal jury in Yakima may be close to a decision on its third day of deliberation in the trial of Spokane police Officer Karl Thompson.
He is accused of using excessive force against Otto Zehm, who died in a 2006 confrontation at a convenience store.
The case went to jurors on Monday. On Tuesday they took another look at surveillance video at the store and Thompson’s statement.
If convicted of violating civil rights and lying to investigators, Thompson could be sentenced to a maximum 20 years in prison. Thompson’s defense lawyer says he followed his training to respond to a perceived threat.
KXLY reports (http://bit.ly/vZS7dn ) Spokane police are being reminded at daily roll calls that a verdict is close and to avoid being baited into arguments with citizens.
