Jury clears Lubbock officer of wrongdoing

Posted: 10.21.2009 at 1:41 PM

A Lubbock police officer has been cleared of wrongdoing for repeatedly using his Taser during a 2006 traffic stop.

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (AP) -- A federal jury on Tuesday was unanimous that officer Marsh Blackmore did not use excessive force when he repeatedly fired his Taser at L.J. McCallan after the motorist was pulled over by Blackmore.

McCallen's attorney, Charlie Dunn, told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that he plans to appeal the verdict.

McCallan claimed in his suit that Blackmore pushed, hit and stunned him without being provoked. Police witnesses testified during the weeklong trial that McCallan appeared not to cooperate with Blackmore's instructions and that Blackmore was justified in his actions.

The suit sought actual and punitive damages, as well as court costs.