Granite City police officers beat man during booking, suit claims

A man claims he suffered great pain and anguish after Granite City police officers assaulted him as he was being processed in the booking area.

Richard M. Hennemann claims he was waiting in the booking area at the Granite City Police Department on May 5, 2010, at about 8:10 a.m. when at least three police officers attacked him.

According to Hennemann's complaint filed May 4 in Madison County Circuit Court, the officers "beat, kicked, punched, and battered him."

As a result of the attack, Hennemann suffered great pain and anguish, sustained serious and permanent personal injuries and incurred medical costs, the suit states. In addition, he exhibited a hindered performance in his everyday activities and lost wages, the complaint says.

Hennemann names police officers Raymond Takmajian, Dean Bastilla and Gene Wilkinson
as defendants, saying they participated in the attack on him. He also lists the city of Granite City as a defendant.

"The amount of force used against Plaintiff...was consistent with Defendant, Granite City's, policies, training, and/or custom," the suit states.

In his 12-count suit, Hennemann is seeking a judgment of more than $600,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

He will be represented by H. Carl Runge Jr. of Runge and Lech in Collinsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-428.