Indicted police officer wants gun back so he can return to work

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. (AP) — A police officer accused of using excessive force is asking a judge to allow him to carry a gun so he can keep his job while his case proceeds.


The Seattle Times reports (http://goo.gl/Zo35oQ ) U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian Tsuchida will hear arguments on the issue Friday.

Officer Nicholas Hogan's attorney says a new Snoqualmie Police Department chief has removed Hogan from paid leave and ordered him to report for duty knowing that as an accused felon, Hogan cannot possess firearms and cannot do his job without one.

Snoqualmie Police Chief James Schaffer says he's not ready to say what he'll do if a judge allows Hogan to possess a firearm but said Hogan will not be returned to patrol or be allowed to work a desk job.

Hogan pleaded not guilty earlier this month to a federal criminal charge that he pepper-sprayed a man who was under arrest and restrained in a hospital gurney.

Hogan was placed on paid leave after a grand jury indicted him in May on one count of violating the civil rights of a man he arrested in May 2011.

Tukwila internal-affairs documents obtained by The Seattle Times say Hogan took the man to a hospital for stitches and while there, shoved and tackled the man before pepper-spraying him in the eyes. Hogan says the man had threatened and lunged at him.

Hogan will remain free pending an Aug. 8 trial.