Lawrence man sues Kansas highway patrolman over Tasing incident

A 26-year-old Lawrence man has filed a lawsuit against a Kansas highway patrolman alleging the trooper used excessive force when he used a Taser during a 2011 Lawrence incident.

The suit alleges Trooper Ty Siebert used a Taser on Cody Larrick on Feb. 2, 2011, during a stop and investigation of Larrick.

The petition states Siebert came into contact with Larrick “during a motorist assist call.” According to Douglas County Jail and court records, troopers arrested Larrick that evening near 23rd and Louisiana streets on charges of DUI, possession of a depressant and obstruction.

Larrick later entered no-contest pleas to his third DUI and a misdemeanor drug possession charge while prosecutors dropped the obstruction charge, and he was sentenced to two days in jail and one year on probation.

In the civil suit, Larrick’s attorney claims Siebert used excessive force when he discharged his Taser and struck Larrick “in a vital organ” during the incident causing him to have both temporary and permanent injuries.

“Siebert used excessive force beyond the scope of force permitted or authorized pursuant to said officer’s training instruction manuals and code of conduct,” Larrick’s attorney wrote in the petition.

The suit also alleges Siebert “performed an unprivileged touching and striking” of Larrick “with the intent to bring about a contact that was harmful.”

In the petition, Larrick is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 on two separate counts against Siebert.

Daniel Stuart, a Leawood attorney representing Larrick, declined to comment beyond the petition filed in Douglas County District Court.

A Kansas Highway Patrol lieutenant could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.