Sheriff: Policy led to suspensions of deputies

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Apr 10, 2008 by Steve Fry

By Steve Fry

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Department policy called for placing two Shawnee County sheriff's deputies on administrative leave Tuesday following the district coroner's ruling that day on the death of Walter E. Haake Jr., 57, Sheriff Dick Barta said Wednesday.

The sheriff's office hasn't released the names of the deputies.

Haake experienced medical problems on the job at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. on March 29 and was attempting to leave the parking lot in his Jeep when he was reported to have been "resistive" to company security guards who tried to detain him because they were concerned for his safety.

Deputies called to the plant said Haake, of Lawrence, was resistive, and a deputy used a Taser three times on his left thigh and right arm.

The deputies were placed on leave on Tuesday "by policy" once the report was released by coroner Erik Mitchell, Barta said.

Barta asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation last Thursday to investigate the death.

The investigation began Monday.

Findings from the KBI and sheriff's office will be forwarded to District Attorney Robert Hecht.

The sheriff's office is reviewing policy, procedure and training in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, the coroner's office is continuing to investigate "possible contributory factors," Mitchell said in a statement Tuesday.

Mitchell said Haake's death was "accidental," saying he had a "longstanding cardiac disease" and a medical history that included diabetes.

Haake was alive when he was removed from his vehicle, but he died while held face down on the ground and as handcuffs were put on his wrists, Mitchell said in the statement.

Haake's "medical problems increased the chance of death from the complications of compression of the torso," the coroner said.

Sudden death "occasionally results" from positional and cardiac factors when someone is held in the position on the ground, Mitchell said.

Steve Fry can be reached

at (785) 295-1206

or steve.fry@cjonline com.