Alexandra Zabjek (Edmonton Journal) – A civil suit launched by an 83-year-old farmer who was shot by an RCMP officer during a routine traffic stop in 1999 has been resolved out of court, part way through a trial.
Peter Larsen had sued the RCMP and officer Richard Graydon for $600,000 in connection with the April 24, 1999 incident near St. Paul. Larsen was 71 at the time.
Larsen’s lawyer, Erika Norheim, confirmed the case was resolved on Wednesday, but said she could not discuss details of the settlement.
A trial started Monday and had been scheduled for five days. The case was resolved before the defence had called all of its witnesses.
Court heard during the trial that Graydon had pulled over Larsen on Highway 881 because of issues with the trailer Larsen was towing behind his truck.
The traffic stop was tense, but violence only erupted after Graydon told Larsen to step away from his trailer so he could photograph it. Larsen refused.
Graydon has admitted in an agreed statement of facts he kept a personal collection of photographs of items he came across during his duties. He told court he wanted a photo because it was “such an oddball piece of equipment.”
The officer testified during the trial that Larsen tried to punch him and later attacked him with a two-metre piece of wood from his truck. During the altercation, Graydon pepper-sprayed Larsen, beat him with his police baton and fired at least four rounds before Larsen was subdued.
Larsen is currently in an assisted-living facility and was unable to testify at the trial.
His son and court-appointed trustee, Glen Larsen, told court his father was not a violent man, even if he was strong for his age.
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