LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — A protester is suing the Louisville Metro Police Department officer seen on video repeatedly punching him in the face at Jefferson Square Park.
29-year-old Denorver “Dee” Garrett was arrested on April 18.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday on his behalf — accuses LMPD Officer Aaron Ambers of civil battery, unlawful imprisonment and intentionally inflicting emotional distress.
Cellphone video of the incident shows an officer attempting to handcuff Garrett, telling him to “stop flexing.” The officer then yells “stop” once more before multiple officers force him to the ground. The initial officer then punches Garrett’s head multiple times.
Garrett’s lawsuit states the officer was Aaron Ambers.
Garrett was arrested after police allege he “was causing a disturbance to the public” and “safety issue to motorists” by standing in the middle of Sixth and West Jefferson streets “holding a large wooden cross” from 3:27pm to 4:05pm, according to his arrest report.
According to the lawsuit, Garrett was “exercising his First Amendment rights of free speech and religion” and was not blocking traffic.
Garrett has pleaded not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Garrett is suing Ambers for monetary damages and attorney fees.
LMPD is investigating the arrest.