Jury: Officers Justified in Use of Force During Arrest

A jury has found that two New Hampshire police officers were justified in their use of force during a 2012 burglary arrest at an auto shop.

Shane St. Onge filed a lawsuit against Weare police officer Ken Cox, his former partner Kimberly McSweeney and the town, alleging Cox shocked him repeatedly with a stun gun despite his cooperation and that McSweeney assaulted him.

The town's attorney said Cox deployed the weapon twice because St. Onge refused to show his hands, making it hard to determine if he had a weapon.

Jurors on Monday decided that evidence proved Cox's use of a stun gun was reasonable and necessary.

Onge pleaded guilty and served time for breaking into Route 77 Motors in March 2012. The case was filed after his prison release.