A Detroit civil rights attorney has filed two lawsuits against the Detroit Police Department and the Warren Police Department, alleging officers used excessive force in two separate incidents involving his clients.
Attorney Todd Perkins said on Wednesday (April 29) the cases involve alleged violations of constitutional rights during attempted arrests in which officers pursued suspects into private homes.
One incident occurred on April 2 in Detroit.
Police said officers initially stopped a young man believed to be violating the city’s curfew for minors.
According to authorities, the situation escalated after officers determined the individual had a gun, and he fled into a residence.
Body camera video shows officers entering the home, where a struggle broke out involving family members. At one point, an officer is seen striking Carnell Givens multiple times while he was being restrained.
Givens was initially charged with felony assault and resisting police, but those charges were dismissed last week.
“Before I knew it, I’m in handcuffs,” Givens said. “One officer choked me with a headlock, two other officers put me in handcuffs, another officer decided to use me as a punching bag.”
The second incident took place in September 2024 in Warren. Police conducted a traffic stop involving two individuals who then ran into a relative’s home, according to the lawsuit.
The suit alleges officers forced entry into the home without a warrant or explanation. The homeowners, Sandra Hall and Willie Hall, were arrested during the encounter.
According to the complaint, Sandra Hall, who had recently undergone surgery and was using crutches, was forced to the ground and sprayed with pepper spray. Both were charged with resisting and obstructing an officer; those charges were later dismissed.
“They’re making me, forcing me to get up, to walk,” Sandra Hall said. “I’m trying to limp, they’re throwing me on the ground. They maced me. I couldn’t even see.”
In a statement, the Warren Police Department said the lawsuit is without merit and alleged the Halls attempted to physically interfere with officers making arrests. The Detroit Police Department declined to comment, citing pending litigation.
The lawsuit seeks damages and alleges violations of constitutional protections against excessive force.