Chet Szymecki Sues Norfolk for $2Mil
Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:15:11
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/06/gunrigh ... -07-arrest
NORFOLK
A Yorktown advocate of the right to openly carry firearms has filed another federal lawsuit over his one-hour detention during the June 2007 Harborfest, this one alleging excessive force against four policemen involved.
Chester "Chet" Szymecki Jr., who is proceeding without a lawyer, alleges that intentionally tight handcuffs and his physical removal from the festival site at Town Point Park caused pain and aggravated existing neurological problems. He seeks $2 million plus costs.
The local criminal charge against him over wearing a holstered .45-caliber handgun at the festival was withdrawn. Virginia law prohibits localities from regulating firearms.
The city settled a previous federal suit over the constitutionality of his arrest with a $15,000 payout before a scheduled December trial but admitted no wrongdoing.
City Attorney Bernard Pishko said Thursday that the city's position is that there was no excessive force.
"The officers' version doesn't confirm Szymecki's allegations," Pishko said.
Matthew Bowers, (757) 222-3893, matthew.bowers@pilotonline.com
NORFOLK
A Yorktown advocate of the right to openly carry firearms has filed another federal lawsuit over his one-hour detention during the June 2007 Harborfest, this one alleging excessive force against four policemen involved.
Chester "Chet" Szymecki Jr., who is proceeding without a lawyer, alleges that intentionally tight handcuffs and his physical removal from the festival site at Town Point Park caused pain and aggravated existing neurological problems. He seeks $2 million plus costs.
The local criminal charge against him over wearing a holstered .45-caliber handgun at the festival was withdrawn. Virginia law prohibits localities from regulating firearms.
The city settled a previous federal suit over the constitutionality of his arrest with a $15,000 payout before a scheduled December trial but admitted no wrongdoing.
City Attorney Bernard Pishko said Thursday that the city's position is that there was no excessive force.
"The officers' version doesn't confirm Szymecki's allegations," Pishko said.
Matthew Bowers, (757) 222-3893, matthew.bowers@pilotonline.com
Szymecki should have upped the anty and sued for 20 mil. 