Man in viral video of rough arrest is suing police department, former officer

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — The man in a viral video of a rough arrest is suing the New Castle Police Department.

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“They had to put part of his nose back on. His eyebrow was torn off. He has a chip of bone in his temple. His lip is torn up. And he had a concussion. And he hasn't been right since.”

Attorney Al Lindsay says Perry Lawry received all of those injuries as a result of this violent encounter in April that's been seen millions of times on social media.

Lindsay filed a federal civil lawsuit against the now former officer and New Castle Police Department on Thursday.

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He says the incident started when Lawry and his girlfriend's son got into a fight that turned physical. The girlfriend called 911.

“Which turned out to be a huge mistake,” Lindsay said.

When police arrived, they say Lawry reached for a knife.

“As if that were some justification for committing this horrific act,” Lindsay said.

Officer Ron Williams then repeatedly slammed Lawry’s head on the ground.

Earlier this month, Williams was fired; the department said his actions violated policy.

Lindsay wouldn't say what kind of monetary damages they are seeking, and said the goal of the lawsuit is to raise public awareness.

“There seems to be an epidemic of police violence,” he said. “Quite frankly, judges, prosecutors and jurors aren't doing their jobs. In the legal system, you can't have this. It's very serious.”

Cox Media Group