Rush Guitarist Loses Lawsuit Against Florida Cops, But Plans Appeal

04/13/07 6:30pm

by Antoinette Mercurio (CHARTattack)

It's been more than three years since the infamous New Year's Eve skirmish involving Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, but a court case that evolved from it just wrapped up.

Lifeson (real name Alex Zivojinovich) sued three Collier County deputies in Naples, Florida after the fracas involving the part-time The Big Dirty Band member, his son Justin Zivojinovich and police with Taser guns. He claimed that the officers used excessive force and violated his civil rights while subduing him and his son.

But U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ruled this week that the deputies actions' "were objectively reasonable" and that a hotel and security employee weren't negligent in the case.

Lifeson's lawyer, Michael McDonnell, plans to appeal the ruling.

Lifeson issued a press release in 2005 explaining his side of the New Year's Eve activities, which resulted in him receiving a battery charge but no jail time for him or his son after accepting a plea bargain.

The police department countersued the father and son duo in late 2005, claiming that they started the kerfuffle.

Rush will release their new Snakes & Arrows album on May 1.