Suit against Denver cop cleared for trial - The Denver Post
Suit against Denver cop cleared for trial - The Denver Post A Denver police officer who was once a contestant on "American Gladiators" will face a federal jury that will decide whether she roughed up the manager of a Grease Monkey after he had asked her to move her police cruiser. The lawsuit filed against Officer Vickie Ferrari is scheduled to go to trial Monday before U.S. District Judge Walker Miller. David Kraus, manager of the Grease Monkey shop at 15077 E. 43rd Ave. in northeast Denver, sued Ferrari in 2008, alleging use of excessive force and violation of his civil rights. "This incident occurred four years ago, and we ask the public to give us the benefit of the doubt and refrain judgment until they hear all the facts," said police Lt. Matt Murray. Kraus' attorney, David Lane, described his client as an honorably discharged Vietnam War veteran, as well as a Boy Scout and church leader, who asked the officer to move her car. The lawsuit alleges Ferrari parked her cruiser in the entryway to the shop, blocking traffic and customers from the business on June 27, 2007. At the time, she was providing cover for officers who were nearby. Kraus asked Ferrari twice to move her cruiser, and she declined, the suit says. He then asked for her business card and claims she got angry and arrested him in a violent manner. Ferrari is accused of cranking down the handcuffs, causing permanent nerve damage to Kraus' hand when she arrested him. An interference charge against Kraus later was dismissed. Kraus' complaint against Ferrari was not sustained during an internal-affairs investigation. "Although no violations of policy or procedure were sustained against Officer Ferrari, it is understood that this incident could have been handled in a more efficient, positive manner," Cmdr. Deborah Dilley wrote in a 2008 letter to Kraus. "This incident and how to better handle similar incidents in the future has been discussed and documented with Officer Ferrari by her lieutenant."
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