ANDOVER, Minn. – A jury has determined that Minneapolis police Sergeant David Clifford (pictured) was not acting out of self defense when he punched a Ramsey man at a bar last June. The assault took place at Tanners Station in Andover.
Security footage shows Sergeant Clifford, a trained SWAT Officer, striking 44-year-old Brian Vander Lee, who then falls onto the concrete patio, sustaining injuries that required three brain surgeries. Clifford’s lawyer claimed the incident occurred after Vander Lee’s loud and combative behavior prompted his client to confront the man. Clifford believed Vander Lee showed signs of aggression and acted out of self defense. Vander Lee testified at the April 13 hearing that his vision, hearing, speech, and overall intelligence have not been the same since the attack.
Clifford was convicted of first and third degree assault, and one count of misdemeanor assault. Clifford, who has no previous criminal history, could serve up to 91 months in prison. His next court date is set for May 29. There is no word yet on how this conviction will affect his career with the Minneapolis Police Department.
