Judge might dismiss wrongful death lawsuit against police
A U.S. District judge said this morning he is inclined to dismiss a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed against the Metropolitan Police Department and five of its officers.
The lawsuit was filed after officers used their Tasers in an attempt to subdue 47-year-old Russell Walker in 2005. Walker died after he was struck three times with a Taser.
Jeremy Hendricks, the officer who shot and killed a sexual assault suspect as he fled police earlier this month, was involved in the Walker incident.
Aided by security videotape of the entire episode, U.S. District Judge Philip Pro told Walker's attorneys, "I've got to tell you, I don't see any exhibits of excessive force used by those officers."
Pro said his formal ruling will be made in written form.
Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.
