Chicago man files suit against city, officers after alleged police brutality

Allizon Brooks, 40, has filed suit against the City of Chicago and some police officers after alleging that he was the victim of police brutality during an incident in 2013.

Brooks, a Chicago resident, said he was beaten by Chicago police on Jan. 18, 2013, after he stopped by an Englewood convenience store to buy ice.

"It was real kind of chaotic when I walked into the store," Brooks said.

What Brooks didn't know is that he walked into the store minutes after a shooting took place outside. One of the victims was brought into the store by his friends. Police showed up a short time later.

Brooks said he was trying to help the owner calm people down when an officer pushed him, and Brooks said words were exchanged.

"He grabbed me by the neck and a lot of officers came around and started punching me, they slammed me into the ground, a lot of guys were kicking me," Brooks said.

Brooks said he was arrested and charged with assaulting the same officer that is seen grabbing Brooks by the neck in the tape. His arrest report says Brooks was preventing other officers from entering the scene, which Brooks and his lawyer say the videotape proves is not true.

Brooks was taken to the 7th District police station, where he remained handcuffed for several hours.

"They wouldn't allow me to use the restroom even though I asked them multiple times," he said.

The charges against Brooks were eventually dropped because the officers never showed up at court. Brooks is now filing suit against the city and five officers.

"The officials' actions were totally unjustified, considering the situation," said Marc Mayer, Brooks' attorney.

Brooks said the beating resulted in temporary hearing loss, a concussion and he has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The City of Chicago's law department did not respond to calls.