Something tells me there's more to this case than has been detailed in plaintiff Rafael Sanders' complaint (Chicago Now), but not even a bad attitude would justify the allegedly brutal conduct of two downstate cops. If the unprovoked police beating he alleges is true, the Markham Police Department has a lot of explaining to do.
The 10-count federal lawsuit, which references state law, is seeking unspecified damages for excessive force, false arrest, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, failure to intervene, denial of due process, conspiracy and other claims.
Maybe these Springfield-area officers were trying to emulate their more-hardened, big-city colleagues in Chicago, where police corruption and brutality all-too-often makes headlines, but the details of Sanders' complaint are disturbing.
Sanders claims he was pulled over by Officer Sheehan, who asked for his license and proof of insurance. When Sanders asked why he was pulled over, Sheehan allegedly replied, "Because I can." That pretty much sets the mood for the cascade of unfortunate events that followed.
He forgot to bring his license with him but a quick check confirmed that his license was indeed valid. However, Sheehan allegedly told Sanders, "You better have $100 to post pond... For these tickets I'm about to give you." Sanders, who was told to follow Sheehan to the police station, still didn't understand why he was stopped.
Upon arrival, Sanders requested the said tickets, as well as his I.D. and insurance card, which prompted another rude reply from Sheehan. So Sanders understandably said he would speak with a supervisor but was grabbed by co-defendant Officer Newman, shoved against the wall and sprayed in the face with pepper spray.
Sheehan then hit Sanders in the face with his knee, breaking his jaw and "dislodging" several teeth, after which Newman struck Sanders with a police baton. As if that wasn't enough, Sheehan allegedly choked Sanders, pulled his hair and then other officers used a taser on him.
Finally, they charged Sanders with resisting a peace officer, two counts of battery and two minor traffic citations -- the validity of which are in question.
Again, nothing justifies this kind of police behavior; but I have to believe there's more to the story.
- Police Misconduct and Civil Rights (FindLaw)
- Knowing When an Arrest is Legal (FindLaw)
- Chicago Injury Lawyers (FindLaw)
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