FORT LAUDERDALE – A Broward County man alleges he was struck by police officers during a traffic stop.
Alex Pierre filed a complaint on May 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Broward Division against city of Fort Lauderdale, James Wells and Christopher Sousa alleging false arrest, excessive force, assault and battery and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 18, 2012, while he was driving his vehicle near 1500 NW 8th Ave., he was ordered by defendant police officers to pull over. After stopping, the plaintiff alleges that Sousa began striking him with his fists and that he did not resist or strike back. As a result, the plaintiff claims he sustained injuries to his head, face and body. He also alleges he suffered and continues to suffer physical pain, emotional trauma, discomfort, humiliation, fear, anxiety and embarrassment.
The plaintiff holds city of Fort Lauderdale, Wells and Sousa responsible because the defendants allegedly falsely claimed that he committed traffic violations and that he attempted to flee and after being stopped, he resisted arrest. They also purportedly committed perjury by falsely swearing the he attempted to elude police officers and hit them.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory and punitive damages, court costs and for such further relief as the court deems just and proper. He is represented by Rocco G. Marucci of Rocco G. Marucci PA in Fort Lauderdale.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Broward Division Case number 0:16-cv-61053