Man seen punched by now-former CPD officer in video sues city, CPD, former officers
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A man who was seen in a video earlier this year while getting punched in the face by a now-former Columbia police officer has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the city, Columbia Police Department and the two former officers in the video.
In the lawsuit filed on Thursday in the Western District Court of Missouri, Lee Martin accuses Gardner Pottorff and Keenen Shouse of using excessive force and failure to intervene, assault, battery and negligent and intentional inflictions of emotional distress.
The lawsuit also accuses the Columbia Police Department and the City of Columbia of failing to train or supervise the former officers; negligent hiring, retention and training.
According to previous reporting, the video showed the officers attempting to detain Martin, who was on the ground when they arrived. The video shows Pottorff throwing five punches while Shouse is attempting to hold Martin down. The incident took place on May 7 in front of Harpos on Tenth Street in Columbia.
The lawsuit claims that a disagreement began between Martin and two employees outside of the entrance of the bar. Martin was restrained on the ground by bar employees when police arrived.
An arrest report claimed that Martin was accused of assault, trespassing and resisting arrest. Charges were never filed on Casenet.
A grand jury chose not to indict Pottorff or Shouse. An internal investigation had ended in May, following the resignation of the officers.
ABC 17 News has reached out to Martin’s attorney, a city spokesperson and a lawyer who previously represented the two officers.
Check back for updates.
