The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

News Summary

Officer cleared in Miami grad's death after Taser use

Sheriff says weapon's use on Miami grad who later died was 'reasonable.'

By Richard Wilson

Staff Writer

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.

Breaking news by e-mail

Start your day with top headlines in your inbox and get breaking news e-mail alerts at any time by subscribing to our Headlines e-mail newsletter.

See Sample | Privacy Policy

Copyright © Fri Jul 03 22:52:40 EDT 2009 Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio, USA.All rights reserved.

By using this site, you accept the terms of our Visitors Agreement and Privacy Policy. You may wish to note our other business policies.