
Jun 17, 2008 9:57 pm US/Central
Man Claims Police Brutality In Beating Case
Incident Reportedly Escalated Over Number Of Recent Police-Involved Shootings
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Twenty-four-year-old Patrick Richmond claims he was beaten by Chicago police and says he has the scars to prove it. The incident started at 57th Street and Prairie Avenue when he was arrested at a Father's Day picnic.
In a sure sign that tensions are mounting with police, the incident was reportedly triggered by an argument over how many people have been recently shot by officers.
Police aren't saying much about the case of alleged brutality, which took place just June 15. It's believed to be under investigation.
Richmond admits mouthing off to officers about the recent police shootings.
"I was like, you all killing three people in the past two days and they say...umm...it wasn't three, it was two," Richmond said.
Richmond said on the way to lock up, police took a detour down an alley near 53rd Street and King Drive. He said they parked in the most secluded spot, near some bushes, and that's where the beating occurred.
Richmond's cousin, Charles Odom, was in the back of the police car.
"The driver jumped out of the car and punched him in the face and I'm like I'm not fitting to die here cause that's the first thing on my mind to even go through an alley," Odom said.
"They kicked me in my head, just kicking and stomping me for a whole seven minutes until I say that I was a bitch," Richmond said.
"I'm saying please man, please say it, 'cause I don't know what's about to happen to us," Odom said.
Richmond said he was also having an asthma attack, but they wouldn't take him to the hospital until later, when he spit up blood while in police lock up.
This medical report from Provident Hospital reveals he was treated for injuries including a dislocated jaw and multiple cuts and bruises.
Richmond's attorney, John Lyke, says the charges were downgraded after Richmond was hospitalized.
"Just take a look at hisĀ face andĀ that will explain how unfairly he was treated," Lyke said. "Then take a look at the police officers' faces and they're perfect."
They have now filed a complaint naming at least one officer with the Independent Police Review Authority.
Richmond says he hopes the officer named in the complaint is not allowed to return to the streets.
The Independent Police Review Authority wouldn't comment, except to confirm that the complaint has been filed.
Richmond said he's also considering filing a lawsuit against Chicago police.
Since this incident occurred, there have been more police shootings. In the past week, five people have been gunned down by officers in separate incidents.
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