EDWARSVILLE — An African-American male claims he was falsely arrested and imprisoned in inhumane conditions by Alton police officers who mistakenly associated him with a stolen van.
Alan Johnson, Jr., filed a complaint April 26 in the Madison County Circuit Court against the Alton Police Department and Sargent McNear, alleging negligence, assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest and malicious prosecution.
According to his complaint, Johnson, an African-American male, was driving a Volkswagen he had received as a high school graduation present on April 27, 2019, prior to his graduation. There were also three African-American males riding as passengers in the vehicle. Johnson claims he was pulled over by an Alton Police Department officer who approached the car "in an aggressive and hostile matter with weapons drawn" and that several police officers surrounded his vehicle with guns drawn. Johnson alleges the police officer indicated the reason for his being pulled over was because a "blue van" had been stolen.
Johnson claims the officers refused to allow him to show his vehicle registration to prove ownership. He also alleges he did not resist, complied with commands and had no possession of drugs, alcohol or weapons. Johnson alleges he was handcuffed with guns pointed at him, taken to a jail with feces all over and held over the weekend while his vehicle was impounded. Johnson also claims he missed work and has required mental health counseling due to the incident.
Johnson seeks compensation of more than $60,000, a trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Amos Smith and Sheila Stuart of The Law Office of Sheila R. Stuart LLC in Clayton, Mo.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-000503