PHILADELPHIA — The City of Lancaster, its police chief and others are facing a lawsuit from a woman who claims she and her minor son were maced without cause as they peacefully took part in a racial justice and police accountability demonstration.
Lori Kreider and A.K., a minor by his parent and natural guardian Lori Kreider, filed a complaint June 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the City of Lancaster, Chief Jarrad Berkihisher and Officer John Doe alleging civil rights violations.
According to the complaint, Kreider and her son who was 10 years old at the time, were participating in "a peaceful demonstration" in Lancaster on May 30, 2020. They allege that as they stood at the intersection of Prince Street and West Chestnut Street, they were unarmed and not engaging in any threatening behavior. The plaintiffs further allege that Lori Krieder was holding a sign that read "This is what police brutality looks like" with a photo of a Lancaster police detective while her son sat on the curb at her feet.
The plaintiffs claim that Officer John Doe stopped directly in front of the sign for a few seconds and then without warning, took out a can of mace and sprayed it into her face and then into her son's face which caused him to suffer chemical burns to his neck and torso. They allege the officer's actions were not a reasonable use of force and that the City of Lancaster and its police chief have failed to properly discipline or sanction officers who violate policies and procedures.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Patrick Geckle of Patrick G. Geckle LLC in Philadelphia.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 5:21-CV-02693-EGS