HICKORY, N.C. — Channel 9 has learned that a lawsuit has been filed against police in Hickory for using excessive force during an arrest that sent a woman to the hospital nearly three years ago.
Eyewitness News obtained photos of what Chelsea Doolittle looked like after her arrest in Hickory for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in November of 2013.
(Chelsea Doolittle)
Those charges were eventually dropped and Sgt. Robert George was later fired from the force then indicted for felonious assault.
Doolittle's father who was at one time a Hickory police officer.
"To me, he went overboard, her father, Brian Doolittle, said after her court appearance. “I mean, he went way overboard. I don't know, from what my understanding, that he would have to throw, hit or whatever he did."
Two other officers at that scene were also named in the lawsuit along with the City of Hickory. For now, the city has refused to release video that shows portions of the arrest.
George's attorney said she isn't surprised by the lawsuit and the former sergeant plans on fighting the felony charge.
Past coverage:
- D.A. drops charge against woman who accused officer of excessive force
- Hickory police sergeant indicted after assault accusation
- New indictments against former Hickory officer accused of assault
- Former officer accused of assaulting woman given new court date
"This has been devastating to him,” attorney Lisa Dubs said. “He loved being a police officer. He was good at being a police officer and this has been a huge, huge change."
There has not been a court date set yet for a possible trial.
The police chief said Tuesday he has not seen the lawsuit and couldn't comment because of the pending litigation.
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