Lake Worth Beach, Fla. — A Lake Worth Beach man, Christopher Connelly, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, alleging excessive force by deputies during a February incident that led to his hospitalization and later dropped charges. The encounter, partially captured on deputies’ body cameras and a neighbor’s cellphone, has sparked controversy and raised questions about law enforcement conduct.
The lawsuit centers on an altercation that occurred just after midnight on Feb. 13, when Connelly visited his ex-girlfriend’s residence to retrieve personal items. Authorities were called to the scene following a noise complaint by a neighbor. According to the arrest report, law enforcement claimed Connelly was under the influence and refused to comply with orders to leave the area.
Recorded footage from the scene shows a deputy warning Connelly that he would be tased if he approached the apartment. Moments later, Connelly appears to push a deputy and attempts to flee, leading to a chase and his subsequent takedown. Video evidence from a bystander shows a group of deputies subduing Connelly, during which one officer appears to strike him repeatedly.
Adanté Pointer, an attorney representing Connelly from the California-based “Law for the People” firm, has presented this case as a clear violation of civil rights due to the use of excessive force. During a press conference, Pointer described the injuries sustained by Connelly, including significant trauma to the face and neck, expressed through graphic images of Connelly’s bloodied face.
Following the incident, Connelly was hospitalized for his injuries, which were detailed as causing lasting physical and psychological damage. Connelly himself recounted severe pain and neurological symptoms affecting his vision and mobility, emphasizing the profound impact of the deputies’ actions on his health.
Connelly was originally charged with resisting arrest and assaulting an officer, but these charges were later dismissed, reinforcing concerns about the justification of the arrest. His legal representative has criticized the sheriff’s office for their handling of the situation and expressed a desire to see justice served, not only for Connelly but to prevent similar misuse of power against others.
The controversy has captured local attention with many community members and advocacy groups calling for a thorough investigation. However, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation.
In this contentious climate, Connelly remains adamant about his intentions, stating he seeks accountability and reforms within the sheriff’s office to ensure that no one else experiences a similar ordeal.
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