Plaintiff:
Christopher Bergin
Incident date:
08/17/2011
Location:
600 W. Washington St.
Allegations:
Bergin, an attorney, and Lopez, a legal assistant, were working as legal observers during an anti-deportation protest. Bergin's wife and two minor children were also present at the protest. During the protest, Lopez noticed Officer Helson grab and shove a woman holding a young child. As Lopez approached the mother and child to offer assistance, Helson struck him in the neck and face. Helson and other officers pushed and dragged Lopez to a wall and handcuffed him. As Lopez was being arrested, Bergin was pushed by Helson and also arrested. As Helson placed Bergin in handcuffs, he grabbed Bergin's thumb and twisted it. Bergin's wife and children witnessed the arrest and physical abuse. Helson signed criminal complaints against Bergin and Lopez for battery, obstructing a police officer and disorderly conduct. Both were acquitted of all charges.