PHILADELPHIA — An individual is suing the Philadelphia Police Department, citing alleged violation of civil rights and federal law.
Cardel (Khalid) Watson filed a complaint on Oct. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Police Sgt. Michael Kennedy and other police officers alleging the defendants violated plaintiff's rights under the Fourth and 14th amendments.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 14, 2016, while a guest at a friend's house, Watson was arrested by defendants' police officers despite having no narcotics, firearms or other contraband found on him. Plaintiff claims even though he was not in possession of narcotics or weapons, he was arrested and charged with narcotics- and weapons-related charges.
Furthermore, after dismissal of all charges after being incarcerated for over eight months, Watson claims defendant police officers allegedly made false reports, misrepresentations regarding his arrest, and fabricated evidence to support the claim that he was involved in criminal activity.
The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because they allegedly failed to prevent, deter, report or take action against the unlawful conduct of police officers, thereby violating the rights of citizens such as the plaintiff.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for compensatory and punitive damages, declaratory judgment, attorney's fees, costs, and such other and further relief as appears reasonable and just. He is represented by Michael Pileggi in Philadelphia.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California Case No. is 2:18-cv-04399-GAM.