SAN FRANCISCO -- Mali Watkins filed a federal lawsuit on August 6 in the Northern District of California against the City of Alameda and John Kaanege, Harris Smiler, Anthony Buck, James Fisher and Kevin Horidoshi in their individual capacities as Police Officers for unlawful detention, unlawful seizure, excessive force and other constitutional violations.
According to the complaint, on May 23, 2020, at 7:45 a.m, Watkins was exercising/ dancing throughout his neighborhood as he did daily. Two officers from the Alameda Police Department allegedly approached stopped and questioned Watkins.
Watkins explained to officers that he lived in the neighborhood and he was just exercising as he does every day. Without provocation, the officers allegedly forcefully grabbed Watkins by both his arms and threw him against a parked vehicle.
Moments later, two more officers from the Alameda Police Department allegedly arrived at the scene. The officers then allegedly pinned Watkins down to the ground, face first. The officers then allegedly forcibly handcuffed Watkins and threw him into the police vehicle. As a result of the incident, Watkins suffered physical injuries, he says.
Watkins seeks general, special and punitive damages, attorneys fees and cost of suit. Watkins is represented by John L. Burris.
U.S. District Court Northern District of California case number 4:21-cv-06080-KAW