Nightclub patron alleges police brutality

A bar patron claims he was tasered without probable cause following a dispute at Hollywood Club in Washington Park.

Yancy Carden of Sikeston, Mo., filed a lawsuit on May 7 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against James Boyd, the Village of Washington Park and John Does No. 1 and  No. 2, alleging excessive use of force and violation of the Fourth Amendment.

According to the filing, on April 11, Carden and his wife Kelli were patrons at the Hollywood Club in Washington Park and were presented with a tab exceeding $200. The suit states that when Carden requested an itemized bill, the bartender phoned the police department.

The plaintiff alleges Boyd and other officers arrested, handcuffed, repeatedly tasered and harassed him during transport to the police station and the St. Clair County jail, where a nurse examined him and recommended hospitalization. The plaintiff was treated and then jailed until April 13, the suit says.

Carden claims he was tasered without probable cause and alleges there is a local custom or culture of police favoring nightclub owners in disputes against patrons. The plaintiff alleges inadequate hiring and training procedures and deliberate indifference to citizens’ rights.

Carden also cites pain and extreme distress, shock, humiliation, medical expenses, permanent injuries and exacerbation of his preexisting medical conditions.

Carden seeks punitive damages and compensation in excess of $40,000, plus attorney fees and costs.

He is represented by attorney David M. Duree of David M. Duree & Associates in O’Fallon.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-276.