Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 1 of 8 PageID #: 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION IVORÉ WESTFIELD and RACHEL HARDING, ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Plaintiffs, vs. SGT JOHN DOE, OFFICER JOHN DOE 2, OFFICER JOHN DOE 3, OFFICER JOHN DOE 4, Defendants. Case Number: 1:20-cv-1747 COMPLAINT AND DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL COME NOW the Plaintiffs, by counsel, Terrance Kinnard, and for their Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial, state the following: PRELIMINARY STATEMENT 1. This is a federal civil rights action alleging that, while acting under color of the laws of the State of Indiana, state actor Defendants deprived the Plaintiffs of rights guaranteed by the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. PARTIES 2. The Plaintiff, Ivoré Westfield (“Ms. Westfield”), is an adult natural person who resides in Marion County, Indiana. 3. The Plaintiff, Rachel Harding (“Ms. Harding”), is an adult natural person who resides in Marion County, Indiana. 4. The Defendant, Sgt. John Doe (“Sgt. Doe”), is an as-yet unidentified law enforcement sergeant employed and empowered by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. 5. The Defendant, Officer John Doe 2 (“Officer Doe 2”), is a law enforcement officer 1 Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 2 of 8 PageID #: 2 employed and empowered by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. 6. The Defendant, Officer John Doe 3 (“Officer Doe 3”), is a law enforcement officer employed and empowered by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. 7. The Defendant, Officer John Doe 4 (“Officer Doe 4”), is a law enforcement officer employed and empowered by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 8. The Plaintiffs herein invoke the Court's federal question jurisdiction, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 1343, to obtain a judgment for damages suffered and sustained by the Plaintiffs and caused by the Defendants’ violation of the Plaintiffs’ rights, privileges, and immunities, as guaranteed by the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America and by applicable federal statutes, specifically 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988, and for the costs of suit, including reasonable attorney’s fees. 9. Venue in the Indianapolis Division of the Southern District of Indiana is appropriate pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b), as a substantial portion of the events which give rise to this action took place within this District. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS 10. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd (“Mr. Floyd”) died as a result of police use of force in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 11. Cell phone and other recordings of Mr. Floyd’s death were widely broadcasted to the general public through social media as well as the main stream media. 12. The manner by which Mr. Floyd died in police custody sparked widespread protests throughout the United States and throughout the world. 13. These protests soon turned violent as individual groups caused substantial property damage and injury to civilians and law enforcement personnel. 2 Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 3 of 8 PageID #: 3 14. On May 29, 2020 and again on May 30, 2020, the downtown Indianapolis area was devastated by large scale property damage, physical injuries, and two (2) fatal shootings possibly related to the violent protests. 15. On Sunday, May 31, 2020, Indianapolis Mayor Joseph H. Hogsett issued Executive Order No. 6, 2020 (the “Executive Order”) declaring a “warning-level nighttime local travel emergency and a mandatory curfew that appli[ed] to all public streets and public places in Marion County.” 16. The curfew established by the Executive Order was in effect from 8:00 p.m. on May 31, 2020 until 6:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020. 17. Ind. Code § 10-14-3-34 provides that an individual who “knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates” the Executive Order commits a Class B misdemeanor. 18. Ms. Harding was present in the Indianapolis downtown area on the evening of May 31, 2020, along with hundreds of others gathered to peacefully protest for law enforcement reform. 19. Ms. Westfield was present in the Indianapolis downtown area on the evening of May 31, 2020 to photograph the activities of the protesters as well as various graffiti marking the downtown area. 20. Prior to May 31, 2020, Ms. Westfield and Ms. Harding were not acquainted with each other. 21. As curfew approached, Ms. Westfield realized that her ride was not available to transport her home. 22. Furthermore, officers of the IMPD and other agencies blocked incoming traffic to the Indianapolis downtown area preventing vehicular traffic ingress to the downtown area. 23. Ms. Westfield and Ms. Harding met by happenstance near the downtown monument 3 Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 4 of 8 PageID #: 4 circle and Ms. Harding agreed to drive Ms. Westfield home. 24. On May 31, 2020 at approximately 8:45 p.m., Ms. Harding and Ms. Westfield were walking to Ms. Harding’s vehicle in the 100 block of East Washington Street when multiple officers of IMPD approached them in an aggressive manner. 25. The officers informing Ms. Harding and Ms. Westfield that they were under arrest for violating curfew. 26. Both Ms. Harding and Ms. Westfield were passive and cooperative. 27. Sgt. Doe 1 started handcuffing Ms. Harding. 28. Ms. Westfield initially provided her hands to Sgt. Doe 1 in order to be handcuffed. 29. However, Sgt. Doe 1 became aggressive with Ms. Westfield and placed his body completely against Ms. Westfield. 30. Sgt. Doe 1 also forced Ms. Westfield’s arms upward behind her back into an unnatural position causing extreme pain. 31. Ms. Westfield was in pain from Sgt. Doe 1’s actions and pulled her arms away. 32. Ms. Westfield then pulled herself away from Sgt. Doe 1, but at no time engaged in any type of assault upon Sgt. Doe 1 or any other officer. 33. Sgt. Doe 1 then stepped away from Ms. Westfield and gave the command “hit her” to Officer Doe 1. 34. Officer Doe 2 was dressed in a ballistic helmet and armed with a CO2 – powered PepperBall Launcher or similar less-than-lethal weapon. 35. Officer Doe 2 then fired multiple pepper ball rounds into Ms. Westfield’s body 36. At least four (4) of these rounds impacted Ms. Westfield’s torso, pelvis, and arm. 4 Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 5 of 8 PageID #: 5 37. The pepper balls broke Ms. Westfield’s skin and caused welts. 38. Immediately after Ms. Westfield was struck with the pepper ball rounds, Officer Doe 3 and Officer Doe 4 began violently striking Ms. Westfield with batons. 39. Officer Doe 4 turned his attention away from Ms. Harding to participate in the violent attack of Ms. Westfield. 40. The officers delivered no less than six (6) blows to the front and back of Ms. Westfield’s body from her hips to her lower legs. 41. These blows caused severe swelling and bruising to both of Ms. Westfield’s legs and pelvic area. 42. Ms. Westfield collapsed to the ground and attempted to protect her head before being pushed to the ground, face first by Officer Doe 4. 43. Officer Doe 4 then held a wooden baton against Ms. Westfield’s head and neck as he placed her in handcuffs. 44. Ms. Harding was concerned for Ms. Westfield and attempted to film the incident with her cell phone. 45. Immediately after finishing with Ms. Westfield, Officer Doe 3 pushed Ms. Harding backwards with enough force to knock her to the ground. 46. At the time Officer Doe 3 pushed Ms. Harding to the ground, Ms. Harding was offering no resistance and had her hands at her sides. 47. Sgt. Doe 1 was present during these events and took no action to intervene or otherwise terminate the officers’ unlawful conduct. 48. Sgt. Doe 1 in fact ordered the attack by issuing the command, “hit her.” 5 Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 6 of 8 PageID #: 6 49. Officers recommended charging Ms. Harding with violating the Executive Order, as a Class B misdemeanor. 50. Officers recommended charging Ms. Westfield with battery against a public safety official, as a Level 6 felony, violating the Executive Order as a Class B misdemeanor, and resisting law enforcement as a Class A misdemeanor. 51. Ms. Harding and Ms. Westfield were transported to the Marion County Jail and were not given a bond, although others in the same group were released on their own recognizance. 52. The Marion County Prosecutor declined to file charges, and Ms. Harding and Ms. Westfield were each released from the Marion County Jail in the early morning hours of June 2, 2020. 53. On May 31, 2020, Ms. Harding and Ms. Westfield had a clearly-established constitutional right to be free from excessive force. 54. Neither Plaintiff posed any threat to the defendant police officers. 55. The defendant police officers knew or reasonably should have known of the danger they placed Plaintiffs into by their assault. 56. The defendant police officers knew that their actions could result in pain and harm to the Plaintiffs. 57. Sgt. Doe 1 had an obligation to stop the attack, yet he did nothing to intercede. 58. All defendants were state actors acting under color of state law. COUNT I – Fourth Amendment – Excessive Force – Defendants Officer Doe 2, Officer Doe 3, Officer Doe 4 59. All previous paragraphs are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 60. Plaintiff Ms. Westfield makes a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violation of the 6 Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 7 of 8 PageID #: 7 Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 61. The Fourth Amendment does not permit defendants to use excessive force. 62. The individual defendants’ use of force against Ms. Westfield was not reasonable under the circumstances, and was excessive. 63. As a direct and proximate result of the actions of said defendants, Ms. Westfield has suffered damages. COUNT II – Fourth Amendment – Excessive Force – Defendant Officer Doe 3 64. All previous paragraphs are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 65. Plaintiff Ms. Harding makes a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 66. The Fourth Amendment does not permit defendant to use excessive force. 67. The individual defendant’s use of force against Ms. Harding was not reasonable under the circumstances, and was excessive. 68. As a direct and proximate result of the actions of said defendant, Ms. Harding has suffered damages. COUNT III – Fourth Amendment – Duty to Intervene – Defendant Sgt. Doe 1 69. All previous paragraphs are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 70. Plaintiffs bring this claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 71. Officer Doe 2, Officer Doe 3, and Officer Doe 3 used excessive force in this incident. 72. Sgt. Doe 1 had a duty to intervene and protect the Plaintiffs but failed to do so. 73. As a direct and proximate result of the actions of Sgt. Doe 1, Plaintiffs suffered damages. 7 Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 8 of 8 PageID #: 8 WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs, by counsel, requests the Court enter judgment for the Plaintiffs and against said Defendants and award: a. Actual and compensatory damages; b. Punitive damages in an amount sufficient to deter Defendants from again engaging in the conduct described herein; c. Reasonable attorney’s fees; d. Litigation costs and expenses; and e. All other appropriate relief. ;Date: June 26, 2020 . /s/ Terrance Kinnard . Terrance Kinnard, #22224-49 Kinnard & Scott 320 North Meridian Street, Ste. 406 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: 317-855-6282 Facsimile: 317-588-1519 E-Mail: tkinnard@kinnardlaw.net JURY TRIAL DEMAND The Plaintiffs hereby demand a trial by jury on all issues so triable. Date: June 26, 2020 . /s/ Terrance Kinnard Terrance Kinnard, #22224-49 Kinnard & Scott 8 . Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 1 of 8 PageID #: 9 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION IVORÉ WESTFIELD and RACHEL HARDING, Plaintiffs vs. SGT JOHN DOE, OFFICER JOHN DOE 2, OFFICER JOHN DOE 3, OFFICER JOHN DOE 4, Defendants. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case Number: 1:20-cv-01747 SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION TO: Sergeant John Doe 1 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department 50 N Alabama Street Indianapolis IN 46204 A lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney, whose name and address are: Terrance Kinnard Kinnard & Scott Chamber of Commerce Building 320 N. Meridian Street, Ste. 406 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: (317) 855-6282 – Email: tkinnard@kinnardlaw.net If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court. CLERK OF COURT Date: Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 2 of 8 PageID #: 10 Civil Summons (Page 2) Civil Action Number: PROOF OF SERVICE (this section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l)) This summons for (name of individual and title, if any) was received by me on (date) . I personally served the summons on the individual at (place) on (date) ; or I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name) , a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there, on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization) on (date) ; or I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or Other (specify): My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $_ I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true. Date: Server’s Signature Printed name and title Server’s address Additional information regarding attempted service, etc. . Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 3 of 8 PageID #: 11 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION IVORÉ WESTFIELD and RACHEL HARDING, Plaintiffs vs. SGT JOHN DOE, OFFICER JOHN DOE 2, OFFICER JOHN DOE 3, OFFICER JOHN DOE 4, Defendants. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case Number: 1:20-cv-01747 SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION TO: Officer John Doe 2 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department 50 N Alabama Street Indianapolis IN 46204 A lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney, whose name and address are: Terrance Kinnard Kinnard & Scott Chamber of Commerce Building 320 N. Meridian Street, Ste. 406 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: (317) 855-6282 – Email: tkinnard@kinnardlaw.net If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court. CLERK OF COURT Date: Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 4 of 8 PageID #: 12 Civil Summons (Page 2) Civil Action Number: PROOF OF SERVICE (this section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l)) This summons for (name of individual and title, if any) was received by me on (date) . I personally served the summons on the individual at (place) on (date) ; or I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name) , a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there, on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization) on (date) ; or I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or Other (specify): My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $_ I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true. Date: Server’s Signature Printed name and title Server’s address Additional information regarding attempted service, etc. . Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 5 of 8 PageID #: 13 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION IVORÉ WESTFIELD and RACHEL HARDING, Plaintiffs vs. SGT JOHN DOE, OFFICER JOHN DOE 2, OFFICER JOHN DOE 3, OFFICER JOHN DOE 4, Defendants. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case Number: 1:20-cv-01747 SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION TO: Officer John Doe 3 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department 50 N Alabama Street Indianapolis IN 46204 A lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney, whose name and address are: Terrance Kinnard Kinnard & Scott Chamber of Commerce Building 320 N. Meridian Street, Ste. 406 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: (317) 855-6282 – Email: tkinnard@kinnardlaw.net If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court. CLERK OF COURT Date: Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 6 of 8 PageID #: 14 Civil Summons (Page 2) Civil Action Number: PROOF OF SERVICE (this section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l)) This summons for (name of individual and title, if any) was received by me on (date) . I personally served the summons on the individual at (place) on (date) ; or I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name) , a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there, on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization) on (date) ; or I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or Other (specify): My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $_ I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true. Date: Server’s Signature Printed name and title Server’s address Additional information regarding attempted service, etc. . Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 7 of 8 PageID #: 15 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION IVORÉ WESTFIELD and RACHEL HARDING, Plaintiffs vs. SGT JOHN DOE, OFFICER JOHN DOE 2, OFFICER JOHN DOE 3, OFFICER JOHN DOE 4, Defendants. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case Number: 1:20-cv-01747 SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION TO: Officer John Doe 4 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department 50 N Alabama Street Indianapolis IN 46204 A lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney, whose name and address are: Terrance Kinnard Kinnard & Scott Chamber of Commerce Building 320 N. Meridian Street, Ste. 406 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone: (317) 855-6282 – Email: tkinnard@kinnardlaw.net If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court. CLERK OF COURT Date: Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-1 Filed 06/26/20 Page 8 of 8 PageID #: 16 Civil Summons (Page 2) Civil Action Number: PROOF OF SERVICE (this section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l)) This summons for (name of individual and title, if any) was received by me on (date) . I personally served the summons on the individual at (place) on (date) ; or I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name) , a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there, on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization) on (date) ; or I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or Other (specify): My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $_ I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true. Date: Server’s Signature Printed name and title Server’s address Additional information regarding attempted service, etc. . Indiana Southern Civil Cover Sheet 1 of 2 https://ecf.insd.uscourts.gov/webapps/js44/cvcover.html Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-2 Filed 06/26/20 Page 1 of 2 PageID #: 17 JS 44 (Rev 09/10) UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA CIVIL COVER SHEET This automated JS-44 conforms generally to the manual JS-44 approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974. The data is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. The information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law. Plaintiff(s): Defendant(s): First Listed Plaintiff: Ivore Westfield ; County of Residence: Marion County First Listed Defendant: Sgt. John Doe 1 ; County of Residence: Marion County Additional Plaintiff(s): Rachel Harding ; Additional Defendants(s): Officer John Doe 2 ; Officer John Doe 3 ; Officer John Doe 4 ; County Where Claim For Relief Arose: Marion County Plaintiff's Attorney(s): Defendant's Attorney(s): Terrance Kinnard (Ivore Westfield) Kinnard & Scott 320 N. Meridian Ste., Ste. 406 INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana 46204 Phone: 317-855-6282 Fax: 317-588-1519 Email: tkinnard@kinnardlaw.net Basis of Jurisdiction: 3. Federal Question (U.S. not a party) Citizenship of Principal Parties (Diversity Cases Only) Plaintiff: N/A Defendant: N/A Origin: 1. Original Proceeding Nature of Suit: 440 All Other Civil Rights Cause of Action: 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Plaintiffs sue defendants for use of unnecessary and unreasonable force in violation of Amend. IV U.S. Const. Requested in Complaint Class Action: Not filed as a Class Action Monetary Demand (in Thousands): Jury Demand: Yes Related Cases: Is NOT a refiling of a previously dismissed action 6/26/2020, 2:26 PM Indiana Southern Civil Cover Sheet 2 of 2 https://ecf.insd.uscourts.gov/webapps/js44/cvcover.html Case 1:20-cv-01747-TWP-TAB Document 1-2 Filed 06/26/20 Page 2 of 2 PageID #: 18 Signature: /s/ Terrance Kinnard Date: 06/26/2020 If any of this information is incorrect, please close this window and go back to the Civil Cover Sheet Input form to make the correction and generate the updated JS44. Once corrected, print this form, sign and date it, and submit it with your new civil action. 6/26/2020, 2:26 PM