In a gripping legal battle that highlights serious allegations of police misconduct, Arnez L. Reid has filed a lawsuit against several members of the Penbrook Borough Police Department and the borough itself. The complaint, filed on June 14, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, names Isaac Tritt, Anthony Aquiler, Joseph N. Hogarth, and Penbrook Borough as defendants.
The case stems from an incident on June 18, 2022, when Mr. Reid was riding his motorcycle with a friend in Penbrook Borough. According to the complaint, Officer Isaac Tritt initiated a traffic stop due to a bent license plate on Mr. Reid's friend's motorcycle. When Mr. Reid slowed down suddenly to avoid hitting his friend who had also slowed down abruptly, Officer Tritt decided to cite him for following too closely. The situation escalated quickly; despite Mr. Reid’s protests questioning the legitimacy of the stop, Officer Tritt and Lieutenant Anthony Aquiler forcibly removed him from his motorcycle and sprayed oleoresin capsicum (OC) into his face and eyes.
Mr. Reid alleges that he was wrongfully detained without reasonable suspicion or probable cause and subjected to excessive force in violation of his Fourth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. He further claims that after being sprayed with OC spray, he was denied timely medical attention despite repeated pleas for help as he suffered severe pain and burning sensations.
The complaint details how Mr. Reid was taken to Dauphin County Booking Center but remained untreated for an extended period before finally being transported to Harrisburg Hospital for decontamination and medical care. His subsequent medical evaluations revealed toxic effects from OC spray exposure including airway irritation and a collapsed lung leading to a mild heart attack.
Mr. Reid is seeking compensatory damages for physical injuries requiring medical attention such as OC spray exposure with associated burning and breathing issues, pain and suffering including emotional distress and post-traumatic stress which may be permanent; past and future healthcare expenses; confinement and loss of liberty; as well as legal expenses incurred due to this incident.
Additionally, punitive damages are sought against Officers Tritt and Aquiler for their willful misconduct along with reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C § 1988.
Representing Mr. Reid is Attorney Richard M. Wiener from the Law Offices of Richard M Wiener LLC based in Conshohocken PA while presiding over this case is Judge Sylvia H Rambo under Case ID: 1:24-cv-00985-SES