Drunken Drummer Can Sue Cops Over Shocking Home Visit

ECORSE (WWJ/AP) - A man shocked by Ecorse police with a stun gun while he played drums in his basement can sue the officers over their use of force.

A federal appeals court says the officers don't have immunity in a lawsuit filed by William Lucier. Ecorse officers were called to his home during the early morning of July 16, 2010 after his wife said Lucier was breaking dishes and glasses.

But when police arrived, Lucier was in the basement, drunk and playing drums with his eyes closed. Officers fired their Tasers at him when he stood up. They claim he had thrown his drumsticks at them and tried to flee, although Lucier's wife disagrees.

The appeals court said Tuesday the officers aren't entitled to immunity when there are very different accounts of what happened.

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