Westfall trial continues as Rutherford takes the stand

It’s day two of the jury trial for former Pocatello Police officer Steven Westfall. He is accused of hitting James Rutherford in the head during an arrest back in July.

Rutherford took the stand Thursday, but his statements were brief and to the point. He talked about what happened at the Omni Building that day. He told the court he acted the way he did because he didn’t want his rights violated, and what he was put through was wrong.

Also on the stand was police officer Syd Seamons who was one of the officers who helped arrest Rutherford. Westfall was brought to tears as Seamons talked about the struggle. Seamons testified that at one point, Rutherford had hit him in the chest.

Rutherford says he isn’t nervous at all about how the trial is proceeding.

“I didn’t really want to comment on anything about the trial. I don’t want to jeopardize his due process. You know, he should have his chance to be innocent or be proven guilty or something of that scope,” says Rutherford.

Rutherford says he just wants a fair trial and have the best outcome for everyone.

The trial will resume Friday morning where Westfall is expected to take the stand.