SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A federal judge has ruled that three Sioux Falls police officers who were attacked by a man did not use excessive force when they fought to restrain him during a brawl that lasted at least five minutes.
Rocky Traversie sued officers Matthew Starr, Matthew Hanisch and Dave Dunteman for excessive force after they used pepper spray and batons to subdue him on Feb. 5, 2014. He claimed the fight and resulting injuries left him with mental and emotional damage.
The Argus Leader reports Judge Karen Schreier ruled Traversie “actively and violently resisted arrest,” and police force was reasonable.
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All three officers were injured in the brawl. Traversie was sentenced to 65 years in prison for assaulting police officers and also kidnapping for holding family members hostage while high on drugs.
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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com
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