A Federal Jury Finds that an Austin, Texas, Police Officer Used Excessive Force During an Arrest for Jaywalking
On November 6, 2015, Jeremy King was arrested for jaywalking in Austin, Texas. He has alleged since that time that excessive force was used against him, and he filed a federal lawsuit against the Austin Police Department. In the second week of January, 2018, the case was in a week-long trial before a jury. Members of the jury found that an officer did use excessive force during the jaywalking arrest. They also decided, however, that the officer is protected from damages for civil liability and King is not entitled to damages.
In 2015, King made a complaint against the officer making his arrest. The Austin Police Department investigation found that the arresting officers were not guilty of misconduct. According to Austin police officials, in light of the jury verdict last week, they will do a thorough review of the verdict and make a fresh decision on whether disciplinary action should be taken against the officer who was a main focus of the lawsuit and/or against other officers.
During the trial, jurors were told that King was instructed by police not to cross the street and that he heard the instruction. King then allegedly profanely coaxed other friends to cross the street with him. Six police officers were involved in the resulting arrests. A video of the arrest went viral, and it showed that officers allegedly held one of the jaywalkers in a chokehold.
King claims to have suffered cuts, bruises, neck pain, and a sprained wrist from the forceful arrest.
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