Watch CBS News

Man Shot In Back During Minn. Drug Bust Gets $350K

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) -- Stearns County's insurance trust has paid $350,000 to a man who was shot in the back by a sheriff's lieutenant during a drug bust.

John Albert Sorensen had sued the county and now-retired Lt. David McLaughlin, alleging excessive force.

The St. Cloud Times reports the lawsuit was settled last month after a federal judge denied a motion by McLaughlin to dismiss the excessive force claims.

Sorensen was shot in March 2009 during a drug bust in the parking lot of a McStop in St. Cloud.

McLaughlin argued the shooting was an accident that happened when Sorensen was being handcuffed and backed into the lieutenant's right hand, causing the gun to discharge.

Sorensen says he was complying with arrest commands and was shot as he was going to the ground.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.