Shaftsbury man sues Vt. State Police over excessive force

SHAFTSBURY, Vt. (WCAX) - A Shaftsbury man is suing the Vermont State Police for $25 million, accusing troopers of excessive force during his arrest.

The federal lawsuit filed was filed last week by Christopher Campbell. It alleges excessive force by some troopers and failure by others to intervene in the alleged assault.

Vermont State Police say Campbell had driven off the road last February and was suspected of drunken driving. They say he became combative when troopers showed up and resisted arrest. Trooper Robert Zink is then accused of punching Campbell while he was in handcuffs on the ground.

Zink, along with Tprs. Jeremy Sullivan and David Pfindel, are named in the lawsuit that alleges excessive force, that he was denied medical care, and that the other troopers should have intervened.

Zink remains on unpaid relief from duty and pleaded not guilty to assault last April. His attorney told WCAX that he “emphatically asserts his innocence and denies any wrongdoing” in the case.

Vermont State Police Wednesday said they have no comment on the lawsuit as it is pending litigation.

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