Detroit man said police hit him while handcuffed and pressed a knee into his neck

Christopher Black was handcuffed and in police custody when, according to his federal civil rights lawsuit, Detroit officers struck him, forced him to the floor and pressed a knee into the back of his neck. When he asked for medical care, he said the officers ignored him and threatened him with another charge. Michigan Legal Center helped Christopher challenge what happened and pursue accountability.

Detroit police arrested Christopher during a traffic stop after officers reported finding marijuana in the glove compartment. They took him to a mobile police trailer for questioning. He was handcuffed to a chair when, he alleged, an officer hit him and knocked him into the chair and then onto the floor. Christopher said that while he was lying face down, another officer pressed a knee into the back of his neck.

Christopher reported severe pain in his ribs, chest and left shoulder. He continued asking for medical attention, but the officers initially denied his requests and threatened to charge him with disorderly conduct for complaining. A sergeant eventually arranged for him to be taken to a hospital.

At the hospital, doctors diagnosed Christopher with a right rib fracture and a Grade I acromioclavicular joint separation in his left shoulder. He continued receiving medical care for weeks because of rib pain, shortness of breath and shoulder problems. His shoulder injury required a month of physical therapy.

The injuries disrupted Christopher’s education and work. He was enrolled in a heating and cooling program at Northwestern Technological Institute, but he took three months off because his shoulder restrictions made it difficult to carry his books. His pain and reduced range of motion also affected his ability to work as an HVAC installer.

Michigan Legal Center investigated the incident, gathered Christopher’s medical and police records, and filed federal civil rights claims against the City of Detroit and several officers. The firm opposed multiple attempts to end the case before trial and participated in two settlement conferences. Several of Christopher’s claims, including claims involving excessive force and the denial of medical care, were allowed to continue.

The case ultimately resolved through a settlement without a trial.