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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Godfrey man claims brain damage after Alton police allegedly assault him

A Godfrey man is suing the Alton Police Department, the city of Alton and two Alton police officers over injuries he says he received after the officers "maliciously and unlawfully" assaulted and battered him.

Russell K. Cox III filed his suit in Madison County Circuit Court on April 2.

Cox says he was near the intersection of East Broadway Street and Alby Street in Alton on April 24, 2008, when police officer James Hunter and Lt. William Taul approached him.

Hunter and Taul proceeded to hit Cox with their hands, fists, feet and flashlights, pushed Cox and threw him to the ground, placed Cox in fear of his safety, sprayed him multiple time in his face with what Cox believes to be mace or pepper spray and shot or shocked Cox multiple times with an electroshock-type weapon, the complaint says.

Due to the attack, Cox suffered a concussion, permanent hearing loss and brain damage, according to the complaint. He also suffered prolonged physical and mental pain and suffering and disability and has incurred medical expenses.

The Alton Police Department and the city of Alton were named as defendants in the suit because of their failure to exercise due regard for Cox's safety, their failure to promulgate appropriate procedures, their failure to train their officers to avoid excessive force, their failure to follow policies that prohibited excessive force and their officers' violent assault of Cox, the complaint says.

Hunter and Taul failed to exercise due regard for Cox's safety, failed to follow policies and procedures of the police department that prohibited excessive force and violently assaulted and battered Cox, according to the suit.

In the six-count suit, Cox is seeking a judgment in excess of $300,000, plus other relief deemed just.

Charles W. Chapman of LakinChapman in Wood River will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-345.

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