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Officer cleared in Miami grad's death after Taser use
Sheriff says weapon's use on Miami grad who later died was 'reasonable.'
Friday, June 27, 2008
OXFORD — An Oxford police officer, a Middletown High School graduate, did not use excessive force when he used a Taser on a Miami University grad who later died, according to findings from a Butler County Sheriff's Office investigation.
The report released Thursday, June 26, stated the actions of Officer Geoff Robinson — a standout Middie football player who also played football at Miami — were "reasonable in the amount of force used" and did not violate police policies and procedures when he stunned Kevin Piskura, 24, of Chicago, early April 19 to subdue him while breaking up a fight outside a bar.
The investigation, which lasted two months, was requested by Oxford police Chief Stephan Schwein following the hospitalization of Piskura, also a Miami graduate. Piskura died five days later at University Hospital in Cincinnati. Toxicology tests later determined Piskura had a blood alcohol level of 0.319, nearly four times Ohio's legal driving limit, according to the Hamilton County Coroner's Office. A cause of death has not yet been determined.
Robinson, 27, was placed on paid administrative leave following the incident, but has since returned to work, a relative said late Thursday. He joined the department about two years ago.
The investigation consisted of interviews and the review of documents, videos, statements and the Oxford department's use of force and Taser policies, officials said. Oxford police also are conducting its own review, but its report has not been released and Schwein could not be reached for comment.
Staff Writer Daniel Wells contributed to this report.
