Jury finds San Jose cop overreacted in shooting

Source: San Jose Mercury News

In a verdict that could cost the city millions, a federal jury has found that a San Jose police officer essentially overreacted last year when she shot a knife-wielding man, rendering him paraplegic.

But the jury also concluded that the man with the knife, Hung Lam, bears 35 percent of the responsibility for the incident on Cape Horn Drive.

As a result, the city will have to pay 65 percent of any damages that the jury determines Lam suffered, including lost earnings and medical costs, which could amount to millions. The jury is still hearing evidence in U.S. District Court from both sides about the extent of those damages and is not expected to announce the award until after Christmas, according to City Attorney Richard Doyle.

... Lam had a key witness -- retired San Mateo County sheriff Helen Anderson -- who supported his contention that he did not pose a threat to officer Dondi West, and that she used deadly force unnecessarily. Anderson, who lived next door to Lam, was present when West and another officer arrived in separate vehicles.

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_29277106/jury-finds-san-jose-cop-overreacted-shooting