Disability pensioner suing NSW Police after officer draws gun and pepper sprays her dog

555 A New South Wales Police officer drew his gun on a disability pensioner and capsicum sprayed her dog, in what was later described by a magistrate as a "gross overreaction". A 7.30 investigation into NSW Police has uncovered shocking cases across the state where police have faced criticism from judicial officers over their actions with vulnerable people. In one case in September 2013, Camden highway patrol officer James Hurtak signalled for a vehicle to stop after his onboard computer detected it had an expired registration. The car failed to stop and Senior Constable Hurtak began a pursuit that lasted several kilometres. When the vehicle pulled into a property, Senior Constable Hurtak followed the car. The vehicle was being driven by then 59-year-old Lytha Owlstara. Senior Constable Hurtak had said he was unaware who was driving the car during the pursuit or why they were evading the police. Ms Owlstara said she did not stop because she did not believe the police car was pursuing her, and that she was driving well below the speed limit. When Ms Owlstara arrived at her home, the officer ran into the garage with his firearm drawn. "A gun was put to the back of my head and a male voice said, 'I will shoot you,'" she told 7.30. The officer denies putting the gun to her head. The officer's dashcam footage, obtained by 7.30, clearly shows him manhandling her and forcing her to the ground. Ms Owlstara's pet husky appeared at her side throughout her ordeal. The dog growled and appeared to lunge at the officer. In the dashcam footage Senior Constable Hurtak can be seen repeatedly spraying the dog with capsicum spray.

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