Video: Suspect Claims Seattle Cop Choked Him
The attorney of a hit-and-run suspect claims a Seattle Police officer used excessive force on his client during a rough arrest in early October.
The attorney of a hit-and-run suspect claims a Seattle Police officer used excessive force on his client during a rough arrest in early October.
Seattle Police released dash-cam video Tuesday of three officers arresting Leo Etherly that fails to conclusively bolster the attorney's case, reports SeattlePI. Police say the video shows Etherly resisting arrest and intending to spit on Officer Eric Faust.
The video shows officers contacting Etherly. After Etherly refuses to give his name and acts beligerently, the officers attempt to take him into custody at the front of a police cruiser. As Etherly resists, Officer Faust puts his hands on the man's neck and chin.
"What are you choking me for?" Etherly asks.
"I'm not choking you," Faust said, "I'm getting your head away from me."
Etherly then spat in the officer's face. Officer Faust then punches Etherly, takes him to the ground, and punches him again. Etherly can then be heard crying, "Don't touch me, bro."
Etherly's attorney, James Egan, said his client involuntarily spat because the officer caused saliva to hinder his breathing. Egan said it was like his client was waterboarded.
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