MERCED, Calif. — A wheelchair-bound, legless man who was Tasered by Merced police officers has hired two lawyers -- one of whom is a high-profile civil rights attorney with a lengthy track record of handling police brutality cases.
Renowned Oakland attorney John Burris and Stockton attorney David Drivon now represent Greg Williams, the 40-year-old double amputee who spent six days in jail after two Merced police officers arrested him Sept. 11 on suspicion of domestic violence and resisting arrest.
The Merced County District Attorney’s Office never filed charges against Williams, citing a lack of evidence. Williams claims a Merced police officer shocked him with a Taser even though he was never violent or aggressive toward the officers.
In addition, Williams claims the two officers humiliated him after leaving him nude from the waist down with his hands cuffed behind his back, unable to pull his pants back up.
The Merced Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division has opened an investigation into the incident, prompted by a complaint filed by Williams’ family. Cmdr. Floyd Higdon, spokesman for the Merced Police Department, said Friday the department’s internal investigation has begun, but declined further comment, citing personnel issues. After a closed-door meeting with Williams in Stockton Thursday, both attorneys confirmed they are pressing forward with their own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The attorneys are not requesting any money up front, but 40 percent of any award would go the attorneys, according to Williams' family.
Burris said he learned about Williams’ case this week. The attorney said a member of his staff referred him to a video interview Williams gave thatb was posted on YouTube.
Read the full story at mercedsunstar.com.