Vestal Police Cleared of Excessive Force Accusation

Vestal Police Officers are cleared of any questionable practices in connection with the October 31th, 2011 apprehension of a shoplifting suspect.

Officers fired at a Mercedes Benz driven by 54 year old Wayne Hicks as the car hit one of the officers.  Hicks was convicted on a felony assault charge and was released from prison last November.

He had been shot five times and Hicks claimed the police used excessive force. Hicks was not armed at the time of the incident.

A Federal Jury has ruled the police acted in accordance with the situation and officer training.

The officer who was hit by the Mercedes was treated for injuries to his leg.

After being shot, Hicks’ car stopped and officers said they found sneakers reported stolen from Famous Footwear on the Vestal Parkway in the vehicle.