The University of California, Davis expects to provide
workers compensation benefits for a former police officer who drew national
attention for pepper-spraying seated demonstrators, a university spokeswoman
confirmed Friday.
John Pike, who was dismissed from his position as UC Davis
police lieutenant, is seeking work comp benefits from his former employer for a
nervous system or psychiatric injury that occurred on Nov. 18, 2011, California
Department of Industrial Relations records show.
Video and photographs taken that day showed him spraying
students who blocked a sidewalk in protest of tuition hikes and other issues.
As a result of the video, Mr. Pike received death threats against himself and
his family, while he was widely criticized across the Internet.
“Although (an)
agreement has not been completed, the university expects that, in accordance
with the board rating, John Pike will receive financial compensation,” the
university said in a statement.