Caught On Video Cops Make Dramatic Arrest In Sedro Woolley

SEDRO WOOLLEY - A Spokane man whose violent arrest in Sedro Woolley was caught on tape, says he is the victim of excessive force after he was repeatedly punched and tasered while being taken into custody. The incident was caught on video by a guest at the Skagit Motel.

It was in the parking lot of the motel where Sedro Woolley Police responding to a 9-1-1 call say they were confronted by a man under the influence who refused to cooperate. Jeff Woods says he doesn't remember much of what happened in the early hours of Tuesday September 7th, but some things are clear.

"I can't remember a lot of that night my whole face was red, been smashed down into the asphalt," said Woods, who reports he was just trying to exchange his room key when all hell broke loose. "I got tased and then uh it scared the crap out of me cause I told them I didn't want any problems."

But, according to Sedro Woolley Police Chief Doug Wood what you see on this video is only part of a long and violent story.

"Prior to this he attempted to assault the officer. They used justified and reasonable force, using aerosol spray, taser and prior to this they physically fought with him," said Chief Wood.

Cops also say suspect was high on methamphetamine and out of control. Jeff Woods insists he never touched the stuff and the bag of drugs police found wasn't his.

Surveillance video from inside the motel shows how violent things got before that struggle on the ground. Chief Wood says it shows tasers had no effect. "See he crashed through the window and that's a taser probe there, that's hooked to his clothes, he's pulling on it," said the chief.

Later on the motel video you see Woods pick up a rock and threaten the officers. Eventually, the fight moves to the parking lot, Woods insists he did not resist arrest.

"I never took a swing at any of them to know my knowledge, never took a swing at any of those fellas," he said.

Chief Wood says as bad as it may look his officers did what they had to, to take Woods into custody. "What I would say to him is when the police show up cooperate and he would have been in the back of the car and there would have been no problem,"

Woods says he does plan on filing a complaint against the Sedro Woolley Police Department.

"And, I figure I'm lucky to be alive out of that situation," said Woods.

Chief Wood says the department will examine the officers use of force in this case as a matter of policy. Meanwhile, Woods is facing multiple drug, assault and burglary charges.