January 22, 2010 (The Seattle Times)
"A mistrial was declared today in the case of former King County sheriff's Deputy Paul Schene after jurors split 11 to 1 to convict him of assaulting a teenage girl during a videotaped encounter in a SeaTac City Hall holding cell in 2008."
"One juror favored acquitting Schene, according to the King County Prosecutor's Office."
"All 12 jurors declined to comment. At least two covered their face as they walked out of the courtroom."
"Defense attorney Offenbecher told jurors Schene acted lawfully and like a "true professional," adhering to his training when he entered the cell to handcuff Calhoun."
"Schene's actions represented a "textbook example" of how to take a person into custody, Offenbecher said."
"Without injuring Calhoun, his client applied adequate force to assure he gained control of her and didn't allow her to take weapons from him."
"As violent and dramatic as that looks," Offenbecher said, referring to video of encounter, "there is not a bit of harm to her."