Lawsuit Claims Teen Beaten by Birmingham Police

On April 23, 2011, a 17-year-old boy attended a party at the Boutwell Auditorium, and while at the party, several fights broke out.  The teenager stated that he was not involved in any of the fights, and hid under a parked semi until the fights were over. 

According to the teen, when he stepped out from under the semi, several police officers struck and kicked him, with one officer sitting on top of him with his knee on the teen’s neck.  The teen was then placed in the back of a police car until his mother appeared and he was was then released into her custody. 

On their way back home, the mother was pulled over by Birmingham Police, and the teen was arrested for disorderly conduct.  When the mother asked what her son had done, she stated the police officer replied that her son had done nothing, but that “he ran.”

Now a lawsuit has been filed in Jefferson County court of the behalf of this 17-year-old boy who claims he was beaten by Birmingham Police officers on that April night.  The suit claims the  teen suffered cuts and bruises as well as humiliation, emotional distress and mental anguish.  The suit asks for unspecified damages and also asks that the record of the teen’s arrest be expunged.

Birmingham Police spokesman, Sgt. Johnny Williams said he couldn’t comment on the lawsuit as the department hasn’t had the chance to review it.  City spokeswoman April Odom stated city officials do not comment on pending litigation.

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