State of Vermont sued by man over violent 2021 police altercation

A Vermont man is suing the state of Vermont for $25 million, claiming permanent physical and emotional injuries sustained during a violent altercation with three Vermont state troopers.

The incident occurred back on February 23, 2021, after troopers responded to a suspected drunken driving-related crash.

It was reporting done by the Bennington Banner newspaper that uncovered much of the information in the case.

Christopher Campbell, 42, was involved in a minor traffic accident in which his pick-up truck slid off the snow covered road, colliding with mailboxes, garbage cans, and a tree before getting stuck in a snow bank, according to the paper.

Three Vermont state troopers, Robert Zink, Jeremy Sullivan, and David Pfindel tried to arrest Campbell, according to court documents and news accounts reported by the Bennington Banner’s Michael Albins.

Police body cam video obtained by the Banner and shared with NewsChannel 13 shows Campbell voluntarily dropping to his knees and being handcuffed behind his back.

The video also shows one of the troopers striking Campbell in the back of his head and legs, and then being dragged on the ground, with his face buried in the snow.

Campbell was drunk, belligerent, and trying to grab a Taser from one of the troopers, State Police said, according to the paper.

Campbell pleaded guilty to DUI and paid $1,100 in fines and court fees, court records show. He also pleaded no contest to resisting arrest.

None of the troopers named in the lawsuit still work for Vermont State Police.