Court rules Milwaukee cop tied to Derek Williams death not entitled to duty disability

A state Appeals Court says a former Milwaukee police officer who was fired after he was involved in an in-custody death doesn’t deserve disability payments.

Jason Bleichwehl was one of three officers who came under investigation after robbery suspect Derek Williams died in a squad car backseat after gasping for air and pleading for help in 2011.

The officers were cleared of any wrongdoing. Bleichwehl was later fired for "non-disciplinary reasons."

Bleichwehl contended the media didn’t accurately portray his actions in Williams’ death and he didn’t trust anyone. He demanded a duty disability benefit but the city refused to pay, saying his condition wasn’t the result of a specific injury as required by city ordinance.

The 1st District Court of Appeals ruled Thursday the city’s decision was reasonable.

Bleichwehl’s attorney didn’t immediately return a message.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WATCHDOG REPORT: Death in squad car leaves trail of anger, doubt

ARCHIVE COVERAGE: Death in Detention

RELATED: Milwaukee duty disability tab nearly $22 million a year