Former Independence police officer pleads guilty to violating constitutional rights of teen during traffic stop

A former Independence police officer who used a stun gun last fall to subdue a 17-year-old driver pleaded guilty Friday to violating the minor’s constitutional rights.

Timothy N. Runnels was accused in a four-count federal indictment of using excessive force after he pulled over Bryce Masters of Independence last Sept. 14 at East Southside Boulevard and Main Street.

The indictment alleged that Runnels deprived Masters of his constitutional rights, based on the force the officer used during the traffic stop and making a false report and giving false statements afterward to investigators.

“The use of excessive force by law enforcement officers is a serious offense that strikes at the heart of constitutional protections for all citizens,” U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson said in a written statement. “This former police officer who violated his sworn duty to protect and serve should not reflect upon the vast majority of officers who perform their duties with integrity and professionalism.”

Runnels left the Independence Police Department in November.

Under the plea agreement, Runnels admitted that he deliberately dropped Masters headfirst onto the ground while the nonthreatening teen was handcuffed.

Runnels pleaded not guilty to knowingly filing a false police report where he omitted details to Independence police about the force he used, according to federal authorities.

In the incident, Independence police said that Masters refused to comply with Runnels’ demand to exit the vehicle and that Masters physically braced himself to prevent the officer from pulling him out.

They also said Runnels reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Masters used his iPhone to record the encounter. After Masters refused to exit the car, the officer used his stun gun, handcuffed Masters and told him to move to the curb. When he didn’t comply, Runnels dragged him there, according to court records.

A witness recorded a portion of the incident on a cellphone.

Masters suffered brain damage after he went into cardiac arrest. Doctors placed him into a medically induced coma that included lowering his core body temperature. Masters has received physical therapy since the incident.

J.R. Hobbs, the attorney representing Runnels, said his client accepts responsibility for dropping Masters, adding: “We will be working with Mr. Runnels on an effective sentencing presentation.”

Runnels faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 for pleading guilty to federal charges.

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Former Independence police officer pleads guilty to violating constitutional rights of teen during traffic stop."