The East St. Louis Police Department denies liability in a man’s lawsuit alleging he was injured while trying to flee from a police officer.
Nicholas Pearson filed his lawsuit on Dec. 22 against the East St. Louis Police Department and Officer Andrew Williams.
According to the complaint, Pearson was driving his vehicle on Aug. 19 when Williams’ attempted to pull him over. Pearson fled from his car and Williams allegedly proceeded to chase him down in his patrol car. Pearson claims Williams hit him with his vehicle during the pursuit.
The East St. Louis Police Department answered the complaint on Feb. 8 through attorney Tameeka Purchase of Clayborne Sabo & Wagner in Belleville.
The defendant asserted three affirmative defenses against the plaintiff, denying all liability and arguing that any alleged injuries are a result of his own negligence, fault and unlawful conduct.
The defendant also alleges immunity from liability according to the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employee Tort Immunity Act.
Pearson filed a response on Feb. 10 through attorney Jarrod Beasley of Kuehn Beasley & Young in Belleville. He denies the allegations in the affirmative defenses.
Associate Judge Randall Kelley scheduled a status conference for March 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Pearson seeks an unspecified amount for his alleged financial and physical damages.
The plaintiff is represented by Jarrod Beasley of Kuehn, Beasley and Young PC in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-725