DES MOINES, Iowa - A former Iowa police officer and former Iowa State Trooper could end up costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
Robert Smith of Durant is accused of hitting and then pulling a gun on a motorcyclist he'd pulled over, and the motorcyclist is filing a civil lawsuit against Smith, and asking the State of Iowa for damages, as well..
KCRG-TV 9 obtained police cam video of the former trooper hitting and holding a gun on Bryce Yakish.
A settlement payout would come directly from Iowa's general fund.
Yakish has already filed the civil suit as well as submitted a claim form with the Iowa State Appeal Board. The claim says Yakish wants $2 million from the state due to injuries he sustained because of then trooper Smith's actions.
A claim with the State Appeal Board is different than a lawsuit. With the filing of the claim, the Iowa Attorney General's office has to now try and reach a settlement with Yakish. The settlement will ultimately have to be approved by the board.
If a settlement is not reached after six months, Yakish will then be able to file a lawsuit against the state in court.
A settlement payout would come directly from the state's general fund.