Man who had snow stuffed in mouth throughout arrest data files match

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man who had snow stuffed into his mouth by a law enforcement officer for the duration of an arrest in Akron has submitted an abnormal pressure lawsuit towards the town and several officers, saying his civil legal rights have been violated.

Charles Hicks II, 28, seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in the go well with submitted this week in federal court. It also alleges malicious prosecution and statements the town unsuccessful to appropriately prepare officers or perform a extensive investigation into the Feb. 7, 2021, arrest.

A police spokesperson referred concerns to the city’s legislation department. Stephanie Marsh, a city spokesperson, declined remark, noting the town generally does not remark on pending litigation.

Law enforcement experienced long gone to an Akron household immediately after Hicks reportedly threatened his girlfriend. Law enforcement entire body-digital camera footage showed Hicks having difficulties with officers as they took him to the ground and tried using to handcuff him and a single officer — John Turnure, who is among the all those named in the fit — placing snow in Hicks’ face 3 moments as he laid on the floor. Hicks then informed officers he could not breathe right before they stood him up.

Hicks, who is Black, was charged with domestic violence and resisting arrest. He inevitably pleaded no contest to the resisting arrest demand in Akron Municipal Court and metropolis prosecutors dismissed the domestic violence demand and two other unrelated minimal expenses.

Turnure, who is white, was placed on administrative go away although the law enforcement section done an internal affairs investigation. He resigned in March 2021, before the probe was completed, and the section took no disciplinary action against him and no criminal costs were being submitted.