April 03--A Macon man has filed a lawsuit against a Macon police officer alleging the officer pistol-whipped him in the face, causing him to have broken bones and undergo surgeries.
The lawsuit, filed Friday in Bibb County Superior Court, names officer Antoinne Jordan along with Chief Mike Burns, the police department and the City of Macon.
Antonio Easley alleges he was walking in his neighborhood, on Bailey Avenue, on April 1, 2010.
He was listening to an MP3 player when Jordan stopped his vehicle and demanded that Easley go to the vehicle and talk with him. When Easley refused, Jordan ran toward Easley using "abusive, threatening and profane language," according to the lawsuit.
Easley ran away, but Jordan caught up with him and sat on top of him. Jordan struck Easley at least twice in the face with his gun, knocking Easley unconscious, according to the lawsuit.
Easley claims he was still unconscious when Jordan handcuffed him and moved him. Although a witness called for an ambulance and an ambulance arrived, Jordan wouldn't let a paramedic render aid, according to the court document.
Jordan then took Easley to the Bibb County jail and charged him with obstruction for his attempt to run away. A magistrate dismissed the warrant the following morning, according to the lawsuit.
Easley then went to The Medical Center of Central Georgia where doctors found that he had multiple broken, splintered and crushed facial bones. He later underwent surgery to repair the damage, according to the lawsuit.
Easley also claims his Fourth Amendment rights were violated through false imprisonment and excessive force.
Macon police referred comment to the city attorney's office.
Mayoral spokesman Chris Floore said the city hadn't received a copy of the lawsuit Monday and couldn't comment.
A call to Easley's attorney wasn't returned Monday.
Easley is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. His medical bills were in excess of $30,000 and he argues he may have future medical expenses to address permanent injuries, according to the lawsuit.
To contact writer Amy Leigh Womack, call 744-4398.
Copyright 2012 - The Macon Telegraph, Ga.
