By Ariel Cheung
Chicago Sun-Times
CHICAGO — A West Pullman man says he was attacked by several police officers and has the video footage to prove it.
LaMonte Simmons, 22, filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against Chicago Police alleging that officers used excessive force and made a baseless arrest in an August 2009 incident.
The lawsuit claims Simmons was visiting friends in the 12000 block of South Stewart when officers entered the home, allegedly putting Chadel Davis, 16, in a chokehold and slamming Davis’ mother, Ramona, against a wall. When Simmons asked what was happening, officers ordered him to leave, said Jon Loevy, Simmons’ attorney.
Simmons walked to a nearby lot and continued complaining about the incident, and Officer Richard Bolin punched him in the face, according to the lawsuit. Then, Simmons’ lawsuit alleges, a few more officers beat him with their fists and elbows. A neighbor captured the scuffle on his cell-phone camera.
“This was not a crime of passion, driven by adrenaline and the heat of the moment,” Loevy said. “It was a deliberate, violent act.”
Simmons was arrested and charged with two counts of battery and two counts of resisting arrest, but he was acquitted in a criminal trial, according to Aaron Mandel, another attorney for Simmons. Simmons said he did nothing to provoke the officers.
“I see the reason why fellow citizens in that neighborhood do not trust the police,” Simmons said. “They punch first and ask questions later.”
Ilana Rosenzweig, chief administrator of the city’s Independent Police Review Authority, said the authority was investigating the incident.
Chicago Police were unavailable for comment, and officials with the city Law Department said they were reviewing the lawsuit.
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