Officers cleared of decade-old charges

After nearly 10 years, two local officers are now cleared of all charges in a case involving use of excessive force accusations.

According to Lebanon police Chief Scott Bowen, Det. Erick Brockman with Lebanon police and Lt. Steve Gatlin with the Wilson County Sheriffs Department, who worked for Lebanon police at the time of the incident, were cleared of assault and battery claims in circuit court Friday. 

After nearly 10 years, two local officers are now cleared of all charges in a case involving use of excessive force accusations.

According to Lebanon police Chief Scott Bowen, Det. Erick Brockman with Lebanon police and Lt. Steve Gatlin with the Wilson County Sheriffs Department, who worked for Lebanon police at the time of the incident, were cleared of assault and battery claims in circuit court Friday.

"The two were accused of using excessive force against Thomas Huttchson, stemming from an arrest that happened Dec. 26, 2003," Bowen said. "Huttchson was told not to drive through an accident scene involving a Lebanon police car in front of Walmart. Huttchson was ordered three times by Det. Brockman to leave, and Huttchson refused."

Following the incident, Huttchson resisted arrest and was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Subsequently, Huttchson sued the two officers for assault, battery and false imprisonment.

During a four-day jury trial, the two officers were acquitted of the charges. Judge Clara Byrd presided over the case against the two officers.

Bowen said the case dragged on for so long because it was withdrawn at one point and then re-filed. The case ended in mistrial and was eventually heard in two different courts.

"We're very pleased with the outcome," Bowen said. "We take these things very seriously."

He said such cases are hard on the department and the officers involved.

"These cases weigh on you, but sometimes they happen," he said. "We felt strongly all along that they didn't do anything wrong."