Toledo, Ohio – In a recent turn of events, Issaias Romero, 27, has initiated a federal lawsuit against former Toledo Police Officer Kyle Howe and the City of Toledo, alleging excessive force during a February 2023 traffic stop. Romero’s legal action marks the sixth of its kind against Howe, who resigned following multiple allegations of misconduct while on duty.
The altercation, captured on Howe’s body camera, escalated rapidly after what began as a routine traffic stop on the U.S. 30 East/Highway 63 ramp. According to the footage, Howe, after stopping Romero for speeding and subsequently discovering a pipe in the vehicle, attempted to physically maneuver Romero, who was already handcuffed. The situation intensified when Romero was forcibly thrown onto the hood of Howe’s patrol car and then to the ground.
Romero, represented by Kaplan and Frese LLP of Marshalltown, contests the appropriateness of Howe’s actions, citing he was not resisting arrest. The footage from the incident, which was later posted online by the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, sparked wider scrutiny into Howe’s conduct, particularly his interactions with citizens during traffic stops. This scrutiny led to Howe’s departure from the police force.
The video further shows an intense exchange where Romero, in a distressed state, can be heard challenging the officer’s threats. Howe’s allegations that Romero tried to kick him have been disputed by Romero, who questioned the plausibility of such actions given their size difference and his handcuffed state.
Jasmin Solis, Romero’s girlfriend who was with him at the time, also faced charges when she attempted to record the incident. Despite her emotional pleas and insistence that she was unaware of the ownership of the found paraphernalia, she too was handcuffed and charged, though her charges were later dismissed.
Romero faces several charges stemming from the incident, including possession of paraphernalia and operating while under the influence, though some have been dismissed after he pleaded guilty to others, resulting in a deferred judgment as per court records.
The lawsuit filed on February 6th argues that Howe’s actions constituted civil rights violations, assault, and battery, both personally and officially. Romero seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the physical, mental, and emotional distress caused by the incident.
Meanwhile, there are four other ongoing federal cases filed against Howe and the city, involving different plaintiffs who allege similar mistreatments. The trials are scheduled throughout the year, with the city expressing its intent through attorney Michael Marquess for a “swift and fair resolution.”
This series of lawsuits underscores a growing concern over police conduct and the systemic issues possibly prevalent within the Toledo Police Department, signaling a crucial moment for local law enforcement practices and community relations.
As the legal processes unfold, the outcomes of these cases could potentially have significant implications for policing policies not only in Toledo but could resonate in other jurisdictions facing similar challenges.
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