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DPD Officer Acquitted Of Excessive Force

DENVER (CBS4)-A Denver Police Officer was acquitted of excessive force in a lawsuit on Thursday afternoon.

Vickie Ferrari is a former American Gladiator contestant. She was found not guilty of roughing up David Krause in 2007.

"I just think that the hardest part is the stress of going through a case and some of the negative publicity that's been put out there, being tried in the media before the actual trial," said Ferrari outside of court on Thursday.

David Krause
David Krause talks to CBS4's Rick Sallinger outside the Federal Courthouse on Thursday. (credit: CBS)

Krause managed a Grease Monkey on East Colfax. He claims he asked Ferrari to move her patrol car, which was blocking the entrance to the business.

Ferrari then arrested Krause on interference charges, which were later dropped. He claimed she had violated his rights by arresting him and used excessive force by clamping the handcuffs so tightly that he now has nerve damage.

When asked why he thought the jury found the decision they did, Krause responded "People like cops. I don't know. You'd have to ask them, I guess."

"Police officers put their lives on the line everyday. She arrested him because he was yelling. He was interfering and he wouldn't let her do her job," said defense attorney Sean Olson.

The case got added attention due to Officer Ferrari's one-time appearance on a popular TV show, American Gladiators.

"I don't think that there is any connection. It was an opportunity that I had in my life to take part in and I was very proud to do that. I don't think it defines who I am," said Ferrari.

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