In October 2018, Officer Don Caffey delivered a knee strike to the face of handcuffed pretrial detainee Jesse Wise, who was seated on the ground and posed no immediate threat. This incident was captured on surveillance video. Following an investigation, Undersheriff Joe Thompson recommended Caffey’s immediate termination and a separate criminal investigation. Caffey resigned from his position. Wise filed a civil rights lawsuit against Caffey, alleging excessive force. In July 2023, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Caffey qualified immunity, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. The case remains pending as of November 2023.
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