Black Man Accuses Warner Robins (GA) Police of Excessive Force in Rough Arrest for a Bad Check

From [HERE] and [HERE] A lawsuit has been filed in federal court against five Warner Robins police officers, their supervisor and the city of Warner Robins by a Fayetteville man who claims officers "used excessive force" and "viciously and unjustifiably beat" him during his arrest outside Famous Liquors on Davis Drive back in April of last year.

The lawsuit named Warner Robins police Officers Brandon Smith, Timothy Gray, Nicholas Taylor, Billy Styles, Bradley Triplett, their supervisor Lt. Donald Edwards and the city.

According to the lawsuit, Sims was cooperating with his arrest when he was assaulted by the officers after an "encounter" with Warner Robins police Sgt. Matt Moulton. He says the officers picked him up and threw him across the store. He also claims that after he was in handcuffs he was kicked and punched. 

The attorney representing Sims, Atlanta based Scott R. King, says that there is video surveillance footage of the incident that supports Sims claims. 

Sims complained of injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment, but upon arrival it was found that no treatment was needed

The Warner Robins police incident report stated that the officers were responding to Moulton's call for help. Moulton suffered a neck injury in the struggle with Sims, according to both the incident report and the May 18, 2010 indictment against Sims.

According to the incident report, Moulton responded to a call from one of the store's clerks about Sims attempting to cash a fraudulent check for $304.74.

"Moulton stated that he attempted to stop (Sims) at the door inside the store," the incident report stated. "He stated that (Sims) continued to try to pass him then began to fight ... Moulton then called for 'Help' on the radio."

The report does not include any reference to Sims scuffling with any other officers except Moulton. The report states simply that "numerous officers then responded to Sgt. Moulton's call for help" and that "Sims was taken into custody at the scene."

Sims is seeking monetary damages as well as legal fees.

All five officers named in the report as well as their supervisor Lt. Donald Edwards, and the City of Warner Robins, are listed as defendants in the lawsuit.

Sims is currently serving a five-year sentence at the Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo for obstruction of an officer in the April 14, 2010 incident at Famous Liquors at 545 N. Davis Drive.