Robert F. Robinson and his son Mario have filed a federal lawsuit accusing two Attleboro police officers of Massachusetts police brutality. The Robinsons were arrested on July 12, 2007 in connection with a hit-and-run accident. The victim in the crash was the 13-year-old son of another cop, Detective Alex Aponte.
According to their Boston police brutality lawsuit, Detective Timothy Cook Sr. and Timothy Cook Jr., also a father and son, physically assaulted the Robinsons during the arrest. Robert Robinson was charged with leaving a crash site where personal injury is involved, aggravated assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, and negligent operation. Mario was charged with disorderly conduct and assault and battery on a police officer. The criminal charges against both of them were eventually dismissed.
In the Robinsons’ Boston police brutality complaint, which claims that their civil rights were violated, the plaintiffs say that Timothy Cook Jr. choked Mario and struck him on the face. Timothy Cook Sr. “menacingly” placed his weapon on a table, making Robert Robinson worry about his safety. Robert also claims that Cook Sr. shoved him against an elevator wall and made “derogatory” remarks in an attempt to spark a physical altercation.
The Robinsons are suing the city of Attleboro for its failure to properly train and supervise the cops-especially in cases involving victims that are the children of cops. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages and other associated costs.
Police brutality can be grounds for a Massachusetts injury lawsuit. Examples of police violence include:
• Verbal abuse • Intimidation • Emotional abuse • False arrest • Sexual assault • Unnecessary use of a Taser
• Unnecessary use of a gun • Excessive use of physical force
Father, son claim excessive force was used, The Sun Chronicle, February 10, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Attleboro Police Department
Police Brutality, Human Rights Watch