By Chris Hurst
WDBJ
ROANOKE, Va. — The jury in a lawsuit alleging excessive force by a law enforcement officer in Roanoke was unable to reach a unanimous verdict Tuesday night.
The seven-member jury was to decide if former jail deputy Travis Markham used excessive force to restrain Oneal Scales, who was in jail for a drunk in public charge three years ago. The judge declared a mistrial and ordered both parties to go into mediation.
August 19th, 2011. Oneal Scales is being led back to his cell after his arraignment for a drunk in public charge. He’s being belligerent with deputies and when they close the cell door, he punches through the bars.
Full story: Hung jury and mistrial for former Roanoke City deputy accused of using excessive force