PORTLAND (AP) – A federal jury has ruled that a South Portland police officer used excessive force when he shot a suspected drunken driver with an electronic stun gun during an arrest two years ago.

Jurors awarded Stephen Parker $111,000 plus attorney’s fees. Parker’s lawyer said the award covers medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Parker claimed that officer Kevin Gerrish violated his constitutional rights when he shot him with a Taser, leaving him with permanent injuries.

Gerrish maintained that Parker took an aggressive stance toward the arresting officers and failed to submit to being handcuffed.

—

Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-10-26-07 1922EDT