Man claims he was injured by guards and deputy while exiting Metro

Anthony Morgan of East St. Louis claims he was pushed onto the tracks at the 5th and Missouri MetroLink station while exiting a train on Oct. 28, 2007.

Morgan, represented by Steven Katzman of Belleville, filed a 10-count suit against Bi-State Development Agency, Whelan Security, St. Clair County, St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl J. Justus, deputy sheriff John Pea and the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department.

According to the suit filed Jan. 25, Morgan was "quietly and peacefully" exiting an eastbound train at approximately 10:48 p.m. at which time he was chased, pushed onto the tracks, forecfully thrown to the ground and jumped on by Whelan Security employees Steve Jones and Anthony Newton, and by deputy Pea.

Morgan claims he suffered serious injuries to his neck, back, head, knees, legs and other body parts. He is seeking in excess of $500,000 in damages.

He claims he has missed numerous working days and opportunities and has become obligated for medical and hospital bills.

Among other things, the suit claims Metro failed to properly supervise its security guards. Defendant Whelan Security, through its employees, is allegedly negligent for chasing Morgan without proper cause, for using excessive force and for harassing Morgan.

Morgan claims Justus had a duty to provide adequate training, supervision and guidance to deputies, but breached that duty.

Morgan also claims his civil rights were violated in that he was willfully and maliciously pushed onto the tracks and suffered severe injuries.