HARRISBURG, Pa – A federal jury rules in favor of two Pennsylvania State Troopers in a use of force case when they responded to a domestic incident on September 9, 2011, in Greene Township, Franklin County.
State Troopers Kevin M. Goss and Alexander M. Goss were accused of using excessive force when they took Travis Barnett into custody. Barnett’s attorney claimed his client suffered a concussion, broken bones in his face, broken teeth, a displaced ulner nerve in an elbow that required surgical repair, a shoulder injury that required surgical repair, and facial lacerations on both sides of his face. Barnett was transferred from the scene via ambulance.
After a three-day jury trial, the Honorable John E. Jones, III, dismissed the plaintiff’s claim for punitive damages, and the jury returned a verdict in favor of both troopers in less than an hour.
“It is clear that the actions of our troopers did not violate the law or state police regulations or tactics,” said State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker. “In these types of domestic situations, troopers have seconds to make critical decisions.”
