Beech Tree News Network

After four years and two trials Butler County Sheriff Deputy Heath West is found not guilty of using excessive force while arresting a man in 2011 under suspicion of drunk driving.

In July, a jury ruled in favor of West, determining he had probable cause to arrest Wayne Johnson on charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence and resisting arrest, however, the jury deadlocked on whether West used excessive force while arresting Johnson on his front porch March 17, 2011.

A second trial in U.S. District Court in Owensboro ended Tuesday with a jury finding in favor of West, determining that he did not use excessive force while arresting Johnson. West was also found not guilty of assault and battery.

The charges against Johnson, DUI second offense and resisting arrest will be placed back on the court docket.