Kevin Ward v. Bradley Smith

SHEPHERD, Circuit Judge.

Kevin Ward sued correctional officers Bradley Smith and Dustin Merriett under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging the officers used excessive force when they administered pepper spray to gain Ward’s compliance with orders to submit to wrist restraints. After conducting a two-and-a-half day bench trial, the district court 1 granted judgment in favor of the officers. Ward appeals the district court’s judgment, and we affirm.

I

After receiving evidence in this case, the district court found the following. On October 26, 2009, Ward was an inmate of the Missouri Department of…