Defense verdict in excessive force case

Andy Cooley and Brian Augenthaler recently obtained a defense verdict in favor of the University of Washington and two of its police officers. The police contacted the plaintiff after observing him urinating in public after a concert let out in the U-District. The plaintiff refused to cooperate with the officers’ investigation, eventually trying to walk away from the scene altogether. After issuing repeated commands, the officers took plaintiff to the ground and handcuffed him. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful arrest and excessive force against the police. At trial, plaintiff asked the jury for nearly $500,000. The jury found in favor of the University and its officers on all claims made. Congratulations to Andy and Brian!