Austin officers sued over 'excessive force'
A former resident of Austin, Minn., claims in a federal lawsuit that two city police officers used excessive force while responding to a call as he suffered a seizure.
Scott Sheeley, 50, claims the two Austin police officers restrained, handcuffed and shocked him with a stun gun at least four times as he suffered a seizure in the basement of his house last November.
According to the complaint, Sheeley's brother, Dustin Sheeley, had called 911 for medical help and told dispatch he thought his brother was having a seizure.
According to the complaint, paramedics also gave Sheeley calming medication that caused respiratory problems, before he went into cardiac arrest.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
St. Paul attorney Leslie Lienemann, who represents Sheeley, said the officers' actions caused Sheeley physical and emotional injuries, including permanent brain damage.
"While he is alive, he continues to suffer from injuries sustained that day, and we believe he will continue to do so into the future," said Lienemann.
The complaint names the city of Austin, Gold Cross Ambulance Service, and police officers Chad Norman and Kevin Sederquest.
Representing the city is Attorney Dan Kurtz, who said the police department will fight the claims in court.
"Once all the facts come out, the city and the officers are confident that they will prevail in this case," said Kurtz, who declined further comment.