Alorton police and village sued over woman's alleged brutal treatment

A St. Clair County woman claims an Alorton police officer tasered her and caused her to spend time in jail, even though she says she did nothing to deserve the brutal treatment.

Tineka Galloway filed a lawsuit Oct. 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the village of Alorton, police officers Bryant Falconer, Harry "Dink" Halter, Isaac Turner and Robert Cummings and Police Captain Tomlinson.

Galloway claims she was driving on an unspecified public road in Alorton on July 10, 2007, at about 7:45 p.m. when Falconer stopped her, even though she says he had no grounds to believe she was guilty of any illegal behavior.

Shortly after pulling Galloway over, Falconer ordered her to step out of her vehicle and administered a Taser to her legs, according to the complaint. In addition, he kicked and punched Galloway in the body and head, the suit states.

Falconer wasn't alone in his attack on Galloway. Halter, Tomlinson, Turner and Cummings all began kicking and punching Galloway and together they caused her head to slam into the pavement, the complaint says.

Not once during the attack did Galloway attempt to resist the assault, she claims.

Eventually, Falconer arrested Galloway and charged her with resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer and obstructed windshield, according to the complaint.

As a result, Galloway spent time in jail until her bond could be met, the suit states.

Galloway claims she should never have been arrested or even pulled over because none of the charges against her are true.

Because of the officers' actions, Galloway has suffered mental anguish, physical pain and damage to her eye, according to the complaint. In addition, she developed a seizure disorder after sustaining a concussion caused by Falconer, the suit states.

In the 18-count suit, Galloway is seeking a judgment of more than $400,000 and more than $250,000 in punitive damages, plus other relief to which she may be entitled. She is also seeking general and special damages, plus costs and attorney's fees.

Brian L. Polinske of Edwardsville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-541.