Man Files Suit After Officer Bounces Head Off Cruiser

A man has filed a personal injury suit alleging that a Belleville, Illinois police officer hit his head on the hood of a police cruiser.

According to the suit filed on March 12 in Illinois’ St. Clair County Circuit Court by Peter Huster, the September 13 incident caused him to suffer personal injury, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The suit names Belleville officer Timothy Crimm, other unknown officers, and the city of Belleville as defendants.

The suit says the Huster was celebrating his birthday at Mo-Jacks Bar in Belleville on the night of the incident. He attempted to go up the stairs, not knowing the top floor was a private residence.

The suit says that upon realizing his mistake, he retreated down the stairs and was confronted by the resident. His friends intervened on his behalf and ushered him outside. However, the resident still called the police.

According to the complaint, Crimm arrived at the scene and began to search for Huster. However, Huster had left and was riding in a vehicle with two females when he was stopped by an officer.

The suit says that after Huster identified himself, he was handcuffed and detained by Crimm and other officers. The suit says that he did not resist, but Crimm and the other officers, with no legal justification, “bounced his face on the hood of a patrol car,” which caused him to suffer severe physical damage.

The complaint claims Crimm’s actions were in violation of Huster’s Fourth and Eight amendment rights.

The suit also claims the city of Belleville was in violation of Huster’s rights through its hiring of Crimm.

Huster seeks damages in excess of $300,000, plus costs, from the six-count suit.