Man Convicted Of Resisting Arrest Police Stop Led To Three Misdemeanor Charges, And Citizen’s Complaint Against Police Officer

A Davenport man who has filed a citizen’s complaint against a Spokane police officer was convicted of three misdemeanors Wednesday, including resisting arrest and failing to obey an officer.

Christopher Ostrander, 40, was charged with the crimes in connection with a police stop in Airway Heights in January 1997.

The jury also found Ostrander guilty of obstructing a police officer. All three crimes are misdemeanors, punishable by up to a year in jail. No sentencing date has been set.

Ostrander testified that police officer Tim Madsen stopped him near a convenience store and demanded he turn over his driver’s license.

Ostrander said he was unsure at the time whether Madsen, who was in plain clothes and an unmarked car, was a police officer. Because of his uncertainty, he failed to turn over the license immediately, he said during a two-day trial in Spokane County District Court.

He testified that Madsen then dragged him out of the van by his hair and kneed him twice in the right shoulder, causing injuries.

Madsen testified that he thought Ostrander may have been reaching for a weapon. He also said he acted according to police guidelines.

Ostrander has filed a separate citizen’s complaint, asking that a judge rule there is sufficient evidence to file criminal assault charges against Madsen.

“We are also considering filing a civil suit against Madsen,” said Ostrander after the verdict.

, DataTimes