Woman accuses Alton cops of striking her while she was restrained

A Madison County woman says she was hit in face by two Alton police officers while she was restrained in a hospital bed.

Sandra Lancaster filed a lawsuit May 24 in Madison County Circuit Court against the Jeremiah Dressler, Joel Bromaghim and David Hayes. The City of Alton is also named as a defendant.

According to the complaint, Dressler and Bromaghim are Alton police officers and in June 2011 transported Lancaster from her home to Alton Memorial Hospital for treatment. At the hospital Lancaster says she was restrained to a bed by the two officers and hospital personnel.

Lancaster alleges that while she was restrained she was hit in the face by either Officer Dressler or Bromaghim. She claims the hit was strong enough to give her a concussion and cause significant injuries to her face.

Lancaster accuses the officers of excessive use of force and negligence. Hayes, Alton's Chief of Police, and the city of Alton are also accused of negligence. The plaintiff asks for more than $300,000 in damages for medical expenses and costs of the lawsuit.

Attorney James P. Leonard of St. Louis represents Lancaster. They request a jury trial.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-874