TULSA - The Eric Harris family settlement of $6 million was not the only one that concerned Bob Bates' behavior as a reserve deputy for Tulsa County; another man was awarded $70,000 in court this week.
Terry Byrum, who says he was stunned with a Taser used by Bob Bates during an arrest, settled a lawsuit against defendants - the Board of County Commissioners of Tulsa County and Sheriff Vic Regalado - for five figures. Sheriff Regalado was sued purely in his official capacity, according to court documents, which "is the same as bringing suit against the county."
According to court documents, on Feb. 12, 2015, as a Reserve Deputy, Bates participated in the arrest of Byrum. It further stated in the lawsuit that during the course of the arrest, Bates used his Taser on him after Byrum was given no warning or chance to comply with the officer’s demands.
Byrum claimed Bates was not adequately supervised at the time and did not have the requisite training
to operate in the field. Byrum also claimed that Bates’ use of force on him was excessive and unconstitutional as a matter of clearly established law.
The settlement for $70,000 was issued on Monday.
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