Lawsuit filed against Baltimore Police District Action Team (DAT) Officers

BALTIMORE - Dec. 11, 2024 - PRLog -- Baltimore, MD — A lawsuit has been filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City against Baltimore City Police Department (BCPD) officers Kaivon J. Smith, Drake Emanuel Winkey, and Briana M. Ruiz, alleging unlawful conduct during a traffic stop that resulted in serious injuries to the Plaintiff. The case underscores growing concerns about the integrity of law enforcement practices within our communities, particularly in light of recent allegations of misconduct involving the Northwest District Action Team (DAT).
The Plaintiff, a Baltimore City resident, alleges that on September 2, 2023, he was lawfully operating his motor vehicle on Herkimer Street when he was unlawfully stopped by Officer Smith. According to the complaint, Officer Smith conducted a pretextual stop, improperly soliciting the Plaintiff's driver's license and vehicle registration. While the Plaintiff complied with most requests, he explained that the vehicle belonged to a friend and he did not have access to the registration at that time.
The situation escalated quickly when Officer Smith allegedly fabricated an account of feeling unsafe and called for backup, leading to the arrival of Officer Ruiz and Detective Winkey, along with a K9 unit—despite no units being available at that moment. After a brief interaction, during which the Plaintiff questioned the legality of the stop, he was forcibly removed from his vehicle by the officers, allegedly resulting in injuries to his hands.
Despite the minor nature of the initial traffic violation, the Plaintiff asserts that he was subjected to excessive force during the encounter. Following the incident, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a fracture in his right hand.
Attorney Kim Parker, representing the Plaintiff, stated, "This case highlights the alarming reality of police misconduct and the urgent need for reform within the Baltimore Police Department. Our client deserves justice for the physical and emotional pain he has endured because of the excessive actions of officers who are supposed to protect and serve. We will hold them accountable."
This lawsuit is launched at a critical time, as the Northwest District Action Team has recently come under intense scrutiny for its alleged role in corrupt practices and violations of citizens' rights.
The Plaintiff is pursuing monetary damages against the Defendants in their individual and official capacities, addressing both the physical and emotional ramifications of the incident.
Case Ray vs. Baltimore City Police, Circuit Court Case No.: C-24-CV-24-002374
https://www.kpcounsel.com/lawsuit-filed-in-circuit-court-...