PITTSBURGH — A man alleges that two City of Washington police officers used excessive force while attempting to arrest him for alleged bike theft.
Jesse Charnik filed a complaint Aug. 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District Pennsylvania against Nicholas Powell, in his individual capacity as a police officer for the City of Washington Police Department and others alleging excessive force and other claims.
According to his complaint, Charnik was at the Get-Go on Wylie Avenue in Washington on Aug. 9. 2020. He claims that the defendant and his partner, who were in full uniform, attempted to place him under arrest for suspicion of stealing a bicycle.
He claims his resistance "was passive" and that he was not armed, made no verbal threats and was only attempting to squirm away. Charnik further claims the defendant chased him, began to shoot at him and arrested him for theft, resisting arrest and assault.
He alleges the defendant used unreasonable, excessive and deadly force which caused him to have a seizure and that he acted with recklessness and indifference. Charnik claims as a result of the defendant's actions he suffered injuries to his arms, legs and hips; emotional distress; and loss of pay and benefits and incurred medical treatment costs.
Charnik seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Attorney Frank Walker in Clairton.
U.S. District Court for the Western District Pennsylvania case number 2:22-CV-01154-RJC