Suit: Police Beat Man Who Opposed Physical Arrest Of Neighbors
CHICAGO (STMW) - A Far South Side man filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the City of Chicago and the police officers he says beat him for voicing his opinion on the physical arrest of his neighbors.
Lamonte Simmons claims Chicago Police officers beat him about 7 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2009, after an incident at his neighbors' home in the West Pullman neighborhood, according to a suit filed in U.S. District Court.
The suit claims police arrived at Isaac Thomas Sr.'s home while Simmons was visiting with Ramona Davis and her eldest son, Cresel Davis, on an enclosed porch. The officers entered the porch without knocking or displaying a warrant and placed Ramona Davis' younger brother, Chadel Davis, in a choke hold when he entered the porch, the suit claims.
Simmons claims he stepped back off the stairs onto the landing between the stairs and sidewalk, and commented about the officers' actions when one of the officers grabbed Ramona Davis by her neck and slammed her against a wall.
The suit claims the officers told Simmons to leave the scene, and he walked away from the porch about 25 feet onto the sidewalk of the house next door.
Police arrested Ramona Davis, Cresel Davis and Isaac Thomas, and Simmons "loudly but peacefully voiced his protest," according to the suit.
The suit claims more officers arrived and restrained Simmons, then one officer punched him in the jaw. The other officers then struck Simmons with their fists and elbows.
The incident was captured on video from a neighbor's camera, according to the suit, which claims Simmons was arrested and charged, but acquitted at trial.
Simmons is seeking judgment against the City of Chicago, police officers Bolin, Fryerson, Couch, Percy and other unidentified officers.
A spokesperson from the city Department of Law was not immediately available for comment.
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