Police Misconduct and Excessive Force

Etter v. City of Indianapolis Federal lawsuit alleging excessive force by police when a police dog mauled a young male suspect who was fully cooperative with police and lying face down on the ground at the time the police commanded the dog to apprehend him. Case settled in favor of dog bite victim in 2011.

King v. City of Indianapolis A sixty-six-year-old Indianapolis resident was using his cell phone video camera to record the actions of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers who were arresting a man just outside Mr. King’s resident.  Police demanded he turn over his cell phone and when he refused, an officer tackled him to the ground, confiscated his cell phone, and arrested him.  His civil rights lawsuit was resolved by way of a settlement which included a revised IMPD policy to allow citizens to videotape the actions of police officers so long as they are not interfering with the police and stay a reasonable distance away from an active crime scene.

Baxter v. Marion County Sheriff Federal lawsuit for false arrest and excessive force on behalf of African American male with developmental disability who was locked out of his home while his elderly and infirm mother had fallen inside and was unable to open the door. Jury award for our client in 2002.

Bishop v. City of Indianapolis et al. Federal lawsuit on behalf of man for claims of excessive force, illegal search and seizure, and malicious prosecution for police forcibly entering man's home, tasering and then arresting him. An officer also provided false information in the probable cause affidavit subjecting the man to criminal charges. All criminal charges were ultimately dismissed and the civil suit was settled in 2008.

Crumes v. Myers Protective Service et al. African American man brought federal lawsuit for false arrest and excessive force claims against private security company and guard arising from arrest made while he was sitting in his car outside his residence. Settlement was achieved for our clients in 2005.

Overton v. Marion County Sheriff et al. Federal lawsuit for excessive force, false arrest and malicious prosecution of a diabetic man involved in an automobile accident during a diabetic episode. Jury verdict for our client on false arrest and malicious prosecution claims was achieved in 2008. Sheriff agreed to provide officers training on diabetes as part of the settlement.

Peckinpaugh v. Madison County Sheriff et al. Federal lawsuit alleging excessive force on behalf of a woman whose leg was broken as officers attempted to force her into a jail transport vehicle. Settlement achieved for our client in 2009.

Phelps v. City of Indianapolis et al. Federal lawsuit alleging excessive force and false arrest of a father and two sons, all with developmental disabilities, while en route to school on a bus carrying students with special needs. Settlement achieved for our client in 2004.

Singler v. Hamilton County Sheriff, et al. Federal lawsuit brought on behalf of woman attending concert claiming she was battered prior to arrest and then strip-searched twice in county jail. Settlement achieved for our client in 2004.

Wright v. Mullins A federal lawsuit was brought on behalf of a woman against defendant police officer for false arrest and use of excessive force when he failed to investigate her allegations that she was assaulted by a night club waitress, and after she had made a complaint, he had become angry and arrested her. Settlement achieved for our client in 2004.