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Man Suing Officers for Flashlight Assault; Highlights Race Differences
Associated Press
January 03, 2011
SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield man who alleges he was beaten with a flashlight by police during a traffic stop has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, the police commissioner and six officers.
The suit filed by Melvin Jones III last week alleges he was beaten unconscious, blinded in one eye and went to the hospital with broken bones and teeth.
The suit accuses the officers, who are white, of violating the civil rights of Jones, who is black.
It seeks damages and fees.
Jones was pulled over in November 2009 on suspicion of drug possession.
Police claimed he reached for an officer’s gun.
One officer has been fired and faces criminal charges.
A police spokesman tells The Republican newspaper the department is professional and Jones’ criminal past will be a liability in court.
rafaelmorales
over 2 years ago
2986 Comments
WHY WAS THE OFFICER FIRED????? THERE HAS TO MORE EVIDENCE THAN JUST SOME PERPS ALLERGATIONS !!!!!!
Retleo
over 2 years ago
5522 Comments
Thanks Top_Cat, glad to see that somebody knows how to write a comprehensive news story about this matter.
DALLASCRANE
over 2 years ago
19386 Comments
No dash cam. Melvin Jones III, definitely no "choir boy" although Melvin Jones II may disagree. Let it go through the justice system. As the politicians may find it cheaper to settle than go through a long court trial. A Taser or OC spray might have done better. Then again we were not at the scene to seen what went down.
fsusoldier
over 2 years ago
12 Comments
You can find more about this situation on www.masslive.com Just do a search for Jeffrey Asher or Melvin Jones III. It stems from my Dept. and I support all officers involved 100%
Avacop310
over 2 years ago
454 Comments
Way too little information here. (big shocker there)
IowaNinersFan
over 2 years ago
8010 Comments
What if it was the other way around where the Officers were blacks and the suspect White, Asians or other race? Would it even be a "race" issue and would there even be a lawsuit filed?
Anonymous
over 2 years ago
Big Bump Alexy!
ChiefDC501
over 2 years ago
388 Comments
Why include such an incomplete news story here?! I expect that in the other media sources because that is what they do and they do it because of their agendas. BUT WHY HERE? Either go back to 2009 and get the "history" or wait until more comes out, or heaven forbid go dig up more current information. It is a shame that Policelink is reproting like ABC CBS NBC CNN and even FOX
DarkBlue
over 2 years ago
4880 Comments
No Info............. Biased Media..........say it isn't so !!!! ( insert sarcastic look here )
Retleo
over 2 years ago
5522 Comments
Big Bump Alexy!
Robocop33
over 2 years ago
14354 Comments
Just because the suspect happens to be black and the Officers white, or if black they are called Uncle Toms, this always seems to be enough to scream racism. It is getting old and I will no longer consider that as even have anything to do with it unless, and only unless the Officers are calling him the "N" word and how they need to be returned to slavery. I doubt there is any racism in LE and there is even very little bigotry left and that which is is well hidden. The reason the LE community don't like these people is because they are criminals and bad people, nothing to do with the colour of their skin.
JimY
over 2 years ago
22 Comments
I said I wanted a bud light not a flashlight
Jonas
over 2 years ago
38366 Comments
One thing about me, I ALWAYS give the Officer's the benefit of the doubt. Too bad that doesn't rub off on the media.
Jonas
over 2 years ago
38366 Comments
I agree with everyone about more info needed. Any way you look at it I'm just waiting for Louie, Jessie and Al to stick their collectives noses int this one. Oh yeah, what was that part about trying to grab the Officer's gun. Sounds like a drug dealer to me. But then again, we need more info. There I go getting all politically incorrect again. Sorry, won't happen again!!!
darsavmo
over 2 years ago
10776 Comments
Need more information, but when it says one officer is fired and faces criminal charges speaks volumes...