A Douglas County Grand Jury has found probable cause to charge former Omaha police officers Ryan McClarty and Scotty Payne for the in-custody death of Zachary Bearheels last June.
The Grand Jury has concluded that the cause of Bearheel's death was excited delirium, physical struggle and use of a taser. The jurors found there is probable cause former McClarty committed third degree assault. They also found probable cause Payne committed second degree assault and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.
The Grand Jury also said they believe Sergeant Erik Forehead's actions and inactions were contributing factors to the outcome of the incident. The Grand Jury proposed that all officers at the Omaha Police Department undergo annual and mandatory training regarding interactions with mentally ill persons and specifically those who are affected by excited delirium. The jury also proposed all officers under annual and mandatory training regarding crisis intervention.
Bearheels died near 60th and Center on June 5 after he was tased 12 times outside the Bucky's, punched repeatedly and dragged by his har.
In addition to Payne and McClarty, officers Makyla Mead, Jennifer Strudl were fired in the aftermath and are appealing their termination.