On Jan. 19, a jury sided with three Houston police officers accused of using excessive force while arresting a suspect during a drug sting at a fast-food restaurant. In 2007, officers Steven Zakharia, Christopher Rozek and Mark Chapnick arrested David Thomas Jr. after Thomas allegedly attempted to deliver narcotics to a buyer in a Whataburger restroom. Thomas, who was later found guilty of drug possession, claimed the officers punched and kicked him as he lay handcuffed on the restroom floor. He sustained an occipital bone fracture, which required reconstructive surgery. The officers argued Thomas was uncooperative and reached into his waistband when they tried to place him under arrest. Chapnick said he took Thomas to the ground in order to gain control of him and that Thomas was injured as a result of his failure to break his fall.
Thomas v. Zakharia, et al., No. 4:07-cv-03251
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