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A Federal Court jury absolved a city police officer of any wrongdoing in a July 3, 2001, incident between the officer and a man he was questioning and denied a $2.8 million lawsuit against the city. The incident was described as a scuffle between the officer Sean Kittle and Robert Carrisquillo. But Carrisquillo later sued, listing 18 causes of action against the city. Most of these were thrown out of court by a judge, but the remaining two were decided during a two-week jury trial and 10 hours of deliberations. Carrisquillo alleged excessive force was used during his arrest nearly four years ago by Kittle. Authorities say Kittle was on patrol when he observed what appeared to be a drug deal. As he approached the two persons split up. Carrisquillo allegedly refused to answer Kittle's questions, which led to the officer attempting to place him under arrest on a charge of false personation. Authorities say a scuffle broke out after Carrisquillo tried to strike the officer. By the time Carrisquillo was under arrest, he had suffered multiple injuries. The jury this week decided Kittle was operating within his rights as a police officer and denied Carrisquillo the $2.8 million he sought in the case. The city was represented during the trial by Corporation Counsel David Mitchell and Albany-based attorney John Bailey. [more]