Pepper-spray cop seeks workers' comp

In this Nov. 18, 2011 file photo, University of California, Davis Police Lt. John Pike uses pepper spray to move Occupy UC Davis protesters while blocking their exit from the school's quad in Davis, Calif.

In this Nov. 18, 2011 file photo, University of California, Davis Police Lt. John Pike uses pepper spray to move Occupy UC Davis protesters while blocking their exit from the school's quad in Davis, Calif. Photo: Wayne Tilcock, Associated Press Photo: Wayne Tilcock, Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Pepper-spray cop seeks workers' comp 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The former UC Davis police officer who pepper-sprayed a group of seated protesters at a campus Occupy demonstration in 2011 is appealing for workers' compensation for psychiatric damage stemming from the incident.

Lt. John Pike, who was videotaped spraying the students Nov. 18, 2011, is scheduled to go before a settlement conference about the case Aug. 13 in Sacramento, according to the state Department of Industrial Relations website.

Pike's home and e-mail addresses were posted online after videos of him walking back and forth spraying students with the chemical irritant went viral.

The union that represents UC Davis police officers said Pike subsequently received more than 17,000 angry or threatening e-mails, 10,000 text messages and hundreds of letters, plus unwanted magazines, products and food delivered to his home.

He has moved several times and changed his phone number and e-mail address to avoid the harassment, the union said.

UC Davis fired Pike in July 2012 after an eight-month investigation, during which he was on paid leave.