Athens-Clarke government, police officers sued over 2020 arrest that involved taser – Online Athens

A federal lawsuit alleging unlawful arrest and reckless use of force by Athens-Clarke police has been filed on behalf of an Alpharetta manwho was tased during his arrest outside a tavern in downtown Athens more than a year ago.

The suit was filed Nov. 28 in U.S. Middle District Court against the Athens-Clarke County government and police officers Enrique Rivera and Ethan Marsden. A third officer was listed in the suit as John Doe.

Atlanta attorney Harry Daniels, who specializes in civil rights cases, announced the lawsuit Monday. Charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction against London Rozier Best were dismissedon Nov. 9, 2020, about a month after his arrest.

Athens attorney Greg Sowell, who represents Athens-Clarke County in the matter, could not be reached for comment early Tuesday.

More: Video of downtown Athens arrest sparks questions about use of force

At the time of his arrest, Best was a football player for Campbell University, a private college in North Carolina. He now plays for a junior college in California, according to Daniels.

The arrest occurred about 11 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2020, outside the Centro Bar on Clayton Street, where a bystander made a video of the arrest that began after officers had Best on the pavement, where one officer used his taser.

A Centro manager had called police following a disturbance at the bar, from which Best was subsequently banned.

While he was standing along the street, the suit alleges Best used an expletive that was heard by an officer, but that the comment was an expression that he didnt care that he couldnt reenter Centro.

The suit claims Best did not resistarrest and the use of the stun guncausedhim pain and ongoing emotional distress.

Police conducted an internal investigation, which Daniels saidmisrepresented the reason for the arrest. They said Mr. Best was arrested for failing to leave the property.

But the initial incident report clearly shows he was arrested for using profanity. The problem with that is you cant get arrested for cursing that clearly is the law in Georgia, said Daniels, who explained he was in law enforcement before becoming a lawyer.

The suit, which seeks damages to be determined by a jury, also alleges a violation of Best's First and Fourth Amendment rights againstfalse arrest and malicious prosecution.

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Athens-Clarke government, police officers sued over 2020 arrest that involved taser - Online Athens