Jury sides with Topeka officer in lawsuit over 2018 arrest

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A jury has found that a white Topeka police officer did not use excessive force when he arrested a Black man in 2018. Timothy Harris sued Officer Christopher Janes after his arrest during a traffic stop in Topeka. He alleged Janes violated his civil rights by taking him to the ground,  hitting him and using pepper spray while his hands were handcuffed behind his back. A federal jury on Thursday ruled in Janes’ favor.  During closing arguments, Janes’ attorney argued that Harris was resisting arrest during the confrontation and the officer’s conduct was reasonable. Harris’ attorney argued Harris was cooperating when he was thrown to the ground.