Police brutality alleged in Joplin man's lawsuit against JPD officers

A lawsuit alleging brutality against two Joplin police officers was filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

The events allegedly occurred August 9, 2015, when officers John Isenmann and Ethan Rodgers arrested Joey Caulk, 46, Joplin, on a misdemeanor charge, according to the petition:

After the police vehicle was pulled into the police department’s sally port, Officers Isenmann and Rodgers removed Plaintiff Caulk from the vehicle. While Plaintiff Caulk was handcuffed in the sally port and being led into the police department building by the officers, Officers Isenmann and Rodgers intentionally used unnecessary, unreasonable, and excessive force against Plaintiff. 

Officers Isenmann and Rodgers intentionally, unnecessarily, and unreasonably pushed Plaintiff Caulk to the ground and smashed his head into the ground. Because Plaintiff Caulk was in handcuffs, he could not brace his fall or keep his head from being smashed into the ground. Plaintiff Caulk screamed in pain and blood gushed from his head. 

The attack by the officers was recorded on the sally port video camera. 

Plaintiff received emergency medical treatment and significant follow-up treatment. In unreasonably and excessively attacking Plaintiff as alleged, Officers Isenmann and Rodgers Defendants deprived Plaintiff of rights secured by the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 

As a direct and proximate result of the acts of Officers Isenmann and Rodgers described above, Plaintiff suffered damages including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and pecuniary damages for medical bills.

The officers are being sued in their individual capacity. The City of Joplin is not listed as a defendant.

Caulk is represented by attorney Erica Mynarich of the Springfield firm of Carver, Cantin, and Mynarich LLC.

He is asking for a jury trial.