A lawsuit seeking $50 million in damages names two former Chattanooga police officers, the city of Chattanooga and Erlanger Health Systems after an inmate sustained a compound fracture and other injuries from a beating by officers.
The 22-page lawsuit filed today in Hamilton County Circuit Court by Adam Tatum’s attorney, alleges officers “bludgeoned, strangled and battered” his client, causing six fractures to his right leg and two fractures to his left leg.
Robin Flores, who is representing Tatum, says Officers James Smith and Sean Emmer delivered more than 100 blows each to Tatum. Another officer, Adam Cooley, struck Tatum more than 15 times in the face and head, the complaint states.
Tatum was arrested on June 14 at the Salvation Army office on McCallie Avenue after there were reports that he was kicking a door of the office and had a knife.
Flores said Cooley and Emmer along with hospital staff and other officers on scene did nothing to help Tatum once he was injured and in custody. Cooley and Emmer were fired from the department.
For more complete coverage, read Wednesday’s Times Free Press.
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