Falb
An Alton police officer entered a tattoo artist's workplace in an attempt to serve a subpoena and ended up assaulting the artist, according to recently filed court documents.
Michael Puklich filed a lawsuit Dec. 19 in Madison County Circuit Court against Alton police officer Pete Vambaketes.
In his complaint, Puklich alleges he was working at Off the Wall Tattooing on Oct. 27, 2011, when Vambaketes arrived with a subpoena.
At some point during the visit, Puklich asked Vambaketes to leave, but he refused to do so, according to the complaint. Instead, he struck the left side Puklich's head with his hand, causing Puklich to experienced pain and suffering and to incur medical costs, the suit states.
Because of the incident, Puklich also lost wages and his normal life, the complaint says.
Puklich alleges battery and trespass against Vambaketes.
In his three-count complaint, Puklich seeks a judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs. He also seeks an order that prohibits Vambaketes from coming within 100 yards of him.
Thomas O. Falb of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing him.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-1389.