Police

Swift Justice: Jury Exonerates Former Caldwell Police Sergeant of Sexual Abuse Charges

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Caldwell, Idaho — A jury has acquitted former Caldwell police sergeant Ryan Bendawald of all charges, including those relating to accusations of sexual abuse tied to his position within the police department. The verdict was reached in under four hours after deliberation. Bendawald faced multiple allegations, including claims that he used his authority to engage in inappropriate conduct. Throughout the trial, his defense maintained that there was insufficient evidence to support the accusations made against him. The jury ultimately sided with the defense, concluding that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof. The … Read more

Jury Awards $2.2 Million to Protester Shot in the Face by LAPD During 2020 Police Brutality Demonstration

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LOS ANGELES — A jury has awarded over $2.2 million to a protester injured during a demonstration against police brutality in 2020, after he was struck in the face by a less-lethal projectile fired by a sheriff’s deputy. The jury’s ruling came last week, determining that Los Angeles County was responsible for the injuries sustained by Cellin Gluck, a filmmaker known for works such as “Oba: The Last Samurai.” Gluck’s damages were estimated at $3.5 million, while an additional $300,000 was granted to his daughter for the emotional distress she experienced during the incident. However, … Read more

Jury Stalemate Leaves Amherst Police Detective Trial in Limbo as Tension Mounts

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Jurors in Erie County, New York, have remained silent for several days as they deliberate the fate of an Amherst police detective who is facing charges related to a fatal shooting incident from 2021. The jury, comprised of eight women and four men, started its deliberations last week but has not communicated any updates regarding their progress. The case centers on Detective John D. Bagan, who is accused of deliberately using excessive force when he shot and killed 42-year-old Gregory A. Sager during a confrontation outside a grocery store. Prosecutors argue that Bagan acted without … Read more

Jury Declares Homicide in Highland Park Police Shooting During Well-Being Check

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Highland Park, Ill. — A jury has determined that the death of Brent Bucholtz, a 59-year-old man, was a homicide following an officer-involved shooting that occurred during a well-being check on June 20, 2025. This decision came through an inquest held by the Lake County Coroner’s Office and confirmed that Bucholtz died from multiple gunshot wounds. The autopsy revealed that Bucholtz was shot several times, with Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton indicating this ruling was anticipated. “The classification of homicide for the purposes of death certification is a neutral term and does not imply criminal … Read more