A doctor testified yesterday about repairing injuries suffered by former Charger linebacker Steve Foley after he was shot two years ago by an off-duty Coronado police officer.
Dr. James Chao, a plastic surgeon, told a San Diego Superior Court jury that he helped with Foley's treatment after the Sept. 3, 2006, shooting. Foley was shot in the back of the left knee and hip, according to testimony from the ongoing civil trial.
Chao testified that Foley suffered severe swelling of muscles in his lower left leg as a result of his wounds. To prevent further trauma – and the possibility of amputation – doctors made long incisions in the leg that were later repaired with skin grafts.
Chao said the surgeries were successful, but the former athlete will have significant physical “deficits” for the rest of his life.
Foley is suing Officer Aaron Mansker and the city of Coronado for unspecified damages stemming from the shooting. Foley contends that Mansker was negligent and violated police policies and procedures when he attempted to get Foley to pull over on roads leading to the athlete's home.
Mansker, who was off duty and wearing civilian clothes at the time, shot Foley during a confrontation on Travertine Court. The officer said he believed Foley had a weapon.
However, Foley was unarmed and his injuries ended his career as a professional athlete.
Sheriff's Deputy Ropati Pisia, who arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, testified yesterday that he helped escort Foley's female companion from the athlete's Oldsmobile. The car had been moving slowly when deputies arrived, lurching forward, then coming to an abrupt stop.
The deputy said he turned his attention to Foley, who was lying on the ground, when he screamed the woman's name. The deputy said he found no weapon on Foley, but could smell alcohol.
Mansker has testified that he followed Foley because he suspected the football player of drunken driving.
Dana Littlefield: (619) 542-4590; dana.littlefield@uniontrib.com
(619) 293-1317; angelica.martinez@uniontrib.com
