Oregon Jury Rejects Man’s Stun Gun Damage Claim

A federal court jury took less than two hours to reject a man’s claim that a Springfield, Ore., police officer used excessive force by zapping him with a stun gun as the man tried to flee over a fence in 2007.

The Register-Guard reports that 34-year-old David Snauer of Cottage Grove had sought more than $80,000 in medical expenses and damages from Evan Sether and the city of Springfield.

Jurors made their decision Friday.

Court records show Snauer has a history of criminal convictions, including one for driving a stolen car on the night in 2007 when he was pulled over for a burned-out license plate light and ran off. A paramedic testified that Snauer reported consuming three beers and methamphetamine before the officer pulled him over.

Sether is now a state trooper.