A federal jury has determined that a former Oelwein police officer used reasonable force in trying to control a suspect. Thirty-three-year-old Jason Annis of Oelwein filed suit against former Oelwein police sergeant David Bloem, claiming police brutality in a 2004 arrest.
In the incident caught on videotape, Annis had been arrested on meth charges and was being booked into the Oelwein jail. During the procedure, Bloem took Annis to the floor, shouting obscenities, resulting in injuries to Annis. Bloem claimed he was trying to keep Annis under control, while Annis contended the officer used excessive force, causing his injuries.
Annis, who is serving nearly 20 years in a California prison on drug charges, was suing for compensation for those injuries. However, a federal jury Thursday rejected Annis’ claims. Bloem is now the police chief in West Branch.