Trial wraps up for cop accused of Tasering jaywalker
The case against an Edmontonpolice officer accused of zapping a jaywalker twice with a Taser hinges on the alleged victim's credibility, lawyers for both sides argued Wednesday.
Const. Aubrey Zalaski, 34, is on trial in provincial court, chargedwith assault with a weapon in a case involving Paul Cetinski Jr., 35.
During closing arguments, the Crownlawyer told the judge that Cetinski has no reason to lie about what happened to him. The defence lawyer pointed to holes inCetinski's story, telling the judge that if there's reasonable doubt,Zalaski should be found not guilty.
Outside court, Cetinski said the whole case has been difficult for him.
"I don't want to make any comments regarding the case itself because there hasn't been a decision," he said.
"I'd just sayit wouldbe important, and something for the police force to consider is putting little cameras on these Taser guns so they can record incidents as they begin to unfold."
On Tuesday, Cetinski tearfully testified that he was polite and courteous when stopped for jaywalking near a policestationin the middle of the day in August 2004.
He said Zalaski asked him to lean against the police car and spread his legs as if he was a criminal.
Cetinski told the court he had a handcuff on one wrist when he turned to look at Zalaski. The officer jumped back, then zapped him twice with a Taser, including once after he had fallen to the ground, he testified.
A Taser is aweapon designed to cause temporary paralysis.
Denies aggression
Under cross-examination, Zalaski's lawyer suggested Cetinski was aggressive, which the man denied.
Cetinskiwas convicted of assault causing bodily harm in 2005, the court was told.
The defence lawyer noted that in one of Cetinski's written statements, he saidhe was fully handcuffed when he was shocked by the Taser — buthe now admits that wasn'ttrue.
Zalaski did not testify Wednesday and his lawyer did not call any evidence.
The judge has already said it could take up to a month before he renders a verdict.