On dutyExcessive forceFalse arrest or reportNightstickPepper spray
Plaintiff:
Tiffany Thomas
Incident date:
11/04/2008
Allegations:
A couple of the plaintiffs were on the sidewalk and in backyards celebrating Barack Obama's presidential victory when the officers, who were patrolling the area, came upon the celebration. Under the instruction of Lieutenant Kilroy, the officers began discharging pepper spray on the individuals. Although they did not have legal cause to do so, the officers arrested 10 of the plaintiffs, and Officer Kroll hit Suggs with his nightstick. At a different location, Lieutenant Little's team of officers encountered Larrenzo Fulton and Cobbs. The officers discharged pepper spray on the men before they began beating Larrenzo Fulton. Cobbs ran away and joined several other plaintiffs who were outside celebrating. Like the other officers, these officers also discharged pepper spray on the plaintiffs and threw them to the ground. Little's team arrested four plaintiffs and conspired to cover up the misconduct. One of the plaintiffs, Yolanda Fulton, was across the street from the plaintiffs and the officers. An officer approached and discharged pepper spray on her, even though he did not see her commit a crime. After the incident, several officers failed to file reports that outlined their use of pepper spray; others filed false reports.