Man sues Sauget for false arrest, assault

Ryan Cunningham filed an eight-count lawsuit against Sauget in St. Clair County Circuit Court June 17 accusing the small village of false imprisonment, assault and battery and excessive force.

Cunningham alleges that on July 23, 2004, after being arrested without reasonable cause he was pushed into two double doors, struck with a night stick and punched in the face by the fists of police officers.

According to Cunningham’s complaint, he suffered a broken nose, cuts, lacerations, bruises, abrasions to his face, suffered a loss of earning capacity, had to seek medical treatment, lost wages, and sustained a permanent disability and pain and suffering.

“The action of the village of Sauget was willful and wanton disregard of the rights and feelings of Cunningham,” the complaint states.

Cunningham also claims that the prosecution of him was malicious and was dismissed on its merits. He claims that the actions of Sauget also greatly injured his credit and reputation.

Represented by Ross Anderson of The Rex Carr Law Firm in East St. Louis, Cunningham is seeking at least $400,000 in damages plus all costs of the suit.

05 L 359 (20th Circuit)