Accounts differ on encounter of photographer, detective

By Jeremy Pawloski | The Olympian • Published June 10, 2008

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Overman said that after Miller pushed him, he fell to the ground and turned on his stomach with his arms behind his back. "I never tried to get up off the ground," Overman said.

Lacey Officer Robert Wilson wrote in his report that he saw Miller approach the police tape where Overman was standing after Overman had walked up to the tape. Overman "walked up to the Police tape and stood directly in the face of Det. Miller who had also walked up to the tape," Wilson's report states. "The male began talking loudly at Det. Miller who in turn was talking loudly back. Due to my need to assist Intercity Transit with a mentally disabled female, I turned away from Det. Miller and the male. As I was walking away I heard Det. Miller yell out to the male that he couldn't hit him (Miller)."

Officer Wilson wrote later in his report that when he went to assist Det. Miller, Overman "was lying on his right side with his left arm behind his back." While Overman was on the ground, Overman's "right arm was under his body and was easily pulled out to be handcuffed," Wilson's report states.

"This was two stubborn, emotional people having a discussion and one pulling out his trump card," Overman said.

Lacey Police Cmdr. John Suessman said Overman was cited for simple assault and obstruction. It will be up to the Lacey city prosecutor to decide whether to charge Overman after reviewing all of the police reports.

Investigation continues

The Lacey Police Department hasn't finished its investigation and needs to complete its witness statements from firefighters. Because firefighters work 24-hour shifts with the next 48 hours off duty, it is taking some time to get statements from all of the firefighters who were on scene Friday, Suessman said.

Suessman reiterated prior statements that the Lacey Police Department values its positive working relationship with The Olympian, and wants to continue that. The department is conducting an internal investigation of the incident based on Overman's complaint to Lacey police about the incident, Suessman said.

Overman said he has a sprained right wrist from having the right handcuff excessively tightened by Miller during his arrest. Overman noted that his left wrist, which was secured in the handcuffs by a different officer, is not injured. He also has bruising on his right biceps where Miller dug his fingers into his arm during the arrest. Overman said his index finder and thumb are numb, and the numbness extends up into his elbow. Overman said he is wearing a wrist brace, but he will still be able to take photos and do his job.

Jeremy Pawloski covers public safety for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5465 or jpawloski@theolympian.com.