Lynnwood police settle with couple over violent traffic stop

LYNNWOOD, Wash. (AP) — Lynnwood police will pay $60,000 to settle a federal lawsuit claiming two officers used excessive force and arrested a couple unnecessarily during a routine traffic stop.


The Seattle Times reports (http://goo.gl/QwNGz ) U.S. District Judge James Robart finalized the settlement Monday.

Court documents say Lynnwood officer Agi Barnwell stopped a car driven by Lisa Sheehan Sept. 28, 2010, for a faulty turn signal. The two exchanged words after he disputed the validity of her proof of insurance.

Officer Jayce Gutzler arrived and ordered her out of the car. The officers and Sheehans disagree on what happened next.

The lawsuit says Lisa Sheehan was dragged from the car, sworn at and slugged in the face and that her husband was threatened with a weapon.

Charges of resisting arrest and trying to grab a weapon were eventually dismissed.