City may try new defense in Chasse case

PORTLAND, Ore. – The city of Portland may try a new defense in the James Chasse Jr. death case called “excited delirium” syndrome.

Chasse died in 2006 while in police custody and his family is suing the city and paramedics saying they used excessive force and did not give Chasse proper medical attention.

Court documents obtained by KATU showed the city may bring up the concept of “excited delirium” which is where a person may become agitated and aggressive and may show inhuman strength.

Critics of the city said they don’t think excited delirium applies in the Chasse case.

“For the most part, we understand that James Chasse died from a brutal beating and not from any sort of additional medical experience that he himself caused,” said Jason Renaud of Mental Health Association of Portland.

The state medical examiner ruled Chasse died of blunt force trauma to his chest.

City attorney James Rice said he is not able to comment, and the judged has asked the parties not to discuss the issues to keep publicity limited to ensure a fair jury.