A black business owner who was punched in the face by a policeman when he called officers to his store two years ago has filed a federal lawsuit.
Lawyers for Kevin Penn, the owner of Star Spirits & Beverages, filed the suit on March 11 against police officer Justin Rippen and the city of Decatur, alleging that the incident was indicative of others involving officers using excessive force.
It also contends Penn’s Constitutional rights were violated, and that he was a victim of excessive force, illegal seizure and false arrest. It seeks punitive and compensatory damages. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court.
According to The Decatur Daily, City Attorney Herman Marks declined comment.
The incident was already three months old when it became public after a surveillance video clip was released on social media. According to the suit, on March 15, 2020, Penn called police after he detained a shoplifter and held him at gunpoint in his…
