Dallas Police Beat Down Black Man During Drunk Stop

Arrest prompts lawsuit:
A Garland resident arrested for driving while intoxicated two years ago is suing the city, two police officers and current and former police chiefs, alleging that he was thrown face-first to the street without provocation. Christopher J. Reed, 34, pleaded guilty to the DWI charge and was sentenced to two years' probation and fined $3,000, said his attorney, James M. Murphy. But Mr. Reed suffered a nine-stitch gash in his chin and six broken or fractured teeth, the attorney said, and it will cost more than $25,000 to fix them. The suit seeks unspecified actual, punitive and other damages. Mr. Murphy released a police videotape that shows Officer Shawn J. Harrison, 31, telling Mr. Reed to place his hands on his head and face away from the patrol car. On the tape, Mr. Reed complies with Officer Harrison's order to turn away from the patrol car but keeps his arms thrust straight up. Officer Harrison then approaches Mr. Reed from behind, hooks his left arm around Mr. Reed's neck and throws him to the street. After cuffing the prone man's hands behind his back, Officer Harrison and a backup officer -- 34-year-old Gary W. Collins -- drag him to his feet. Mr. Reed's knees buckle twice as the officers take him to the patrol car. A male voice then says: "Slammed him. That's where he's bleeding from." [more ]