Bernard Kersh's lawsuit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court on Thursday, claiming the officer should've known the maneuver was dangerous because he is trained in martial arts.
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Officers tried to arrest Kersh on Thanksgiving Day last year after they said he was drinking alcohol in public at a bus stop in Chatham, then spat in an officer's face. Kersh has been charged with resisting arrest and assault.
The arrest was caught on bystander and police body camera video, prompting an outcry from activists and political leaders.
His family has said Kersh is mentally ill and suffers from schizophrenia.
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Kersh was released from custody in December, and Rev. Jesse Jackson had posted his bond.
Following the incident, the officers involved in his violent take-down arrest were put on desk duty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.