The city of Massillon faces a federal lawsuit over allegations of police brutality, wrongful death, and other claims related to the March 2023 arrest of Lowell "Bo" Gower Jr. Gower's arrest by Massillon police officers led to severe cervical spine injuries and his eventual death on June 2, 2023. His widow, Angela Gower, filed the complaint on behalf of the family's estate in U.S. District Court in Akron.
The lawsuit claims that Bo Gower suffered immense pain, inability to move his limbs, and eventual death due to the actions of the police. It seeks damages for excessive force, wrongful death, and withholding public records, with the Gower family seeking at least $75,000 in compensatory damages and unspecified punitive damages. The lawsuit lists Bo Gower’s mother and three children as plaintiffs.
Akron attorney John Pfleiderer, representing the Gower family, indicated that the total damages sought could reach millions. He criticized the Massillon police for their treatment of a 58-year-old, handcuffed man and emphasized the willingness to take the case to trial if necessary.
The 13-page lawsuit also alleges negligence in the hiring, training, retaining, and supervising of the involved officers by the city of Massillon and Police Chief Jason Saintenoy, who, along with the unnamed officers, are listed as defendants. The complaint asserts that the defendants' actions directly caused Gower’s injuries and death.
Massillon Law Director Justin Richard stated that the city will have at least 30 days to respond to the complaint and expressed condolences to the Gower family. He emphasized that the city is preparing to defend itself, stating that the evidence will speak for itself. Police Chief Saintenoy acknowledged familiarity with the incident but had not fully reviewed the lawsuit.
Link: IndeOnline
Kommentarer