Kenosha Police Accused of Excessive Force in Arrest

Jermelle English Jr. has initiated a federal civil rights lawsuit against three Kenosha police officers and the City of Kenosha. The legal action stems from an incident on July 20, 2023, where English was dining with his family at an Applebee's.

Police were searching for suspects involved in a nearby rollover crash and mistakenly identified English. Officers allegedly used excessive force, removing his son from his arms and taking him to the ground before arresting him. The actual suspects were found hiding in the restaurant's bathroom.

The lawsuit contends that officers violated English's Fourth and 14th Amendment rights. An internal investigation by the Kenosha Police Department determined that excessive punches by Officer Michael Vences were not a reasonable response.

Further findings indicated policy violations concerning body-worn cameras and departmental values. Vences was suspended for four days, and Officer Luke Courtier received a 10-day suspension. Vences is no longer employed by the department, while Courtier and Officer Kevin Roepke remain employed.

English reported suffering significant physical injuries, chronic pain, and emotional trauma, including a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, impacting his ability to work. Charges of resisting an officer and disorderly conduct against English and another individual were dismissed in December 2023.