Man Claims Hospital Police Falsely Arrested, Brutalized Him

Published: March 15, 2011

CHICAGO — A man who alleges he was wrongfully tackled and arrested by police at Stroger Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the facility. James Spidle, 56, was at the hospital for a doctor’s appointment when he was forced to the ground by several officers.

Spidle says he came to the hospital on August 9, 2010, to see his cardiologist when he noticed two people arguing by the entrance, the Chicago Tribune reports. After Spidle passed them, an officer with the hospital’s police force began to yell at him, the complaint states.

Allegedly, Spidle told the officer that he had done nothing wrong and attempted to continue to his appointment. The officer demanded to see his identification; when Spidle did not comply, he was forced to the ground by multiple officers. Spidle says his chest was stomped on; he was then dragged to the security office, grabbed by the neck and slammed face-first into the floor.    

Spidle claims that a lieutenant put a baton under his neck and threatened to choke him to death if he moved. Later, the lieutenant viewed hospital surveillance footage at Spidle’s request and concluded that he had been mistakenly taken into custody, Spidle claims.

——Article Continues Below——

Get the latest industry news and research delivered directly to your inbox.

Spidle is suing the hospital and “unknown Stroger Hospital police officers” for an unspecified amount of money. He claims he was falsely arrested and suffered rib contusions, wrist pain, ankle pain and mental anguish.

Read the full story.

Posted in: News

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series