SEATTLE — A review of the Seattle Police Department’s investigation into an officer’s misuse of pepper spray on a suspect found that the officer had violated department policies.
The Seattle Times reported that Officer Don George’s actions in the July 2014 incident had initially been deemed justified. But after the case was turned over to the department’s Office of Professional Accountability, George was suspended for three days without pay.
George fired his pepper spray multiple times at a man who was suspected of walking into traffic.
The OPA found that George’s use of pepper spray wasn’t necessary or proportional. The OPA also determined that the sergeant and lieutenant who reviewed the case didn’t review the matter in a timely manner.
George told investigators he issued a warning before firing the first spray.
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