Fred Lewis, through his Sallisaw attorney Dan George, filed a petition Monday in Sequoyah County District Court in Sallisaw and is asking for $10,000 in damages.
According to the petition, Lewis alleges that on Dec. 1, Lewis was driving his vehicle within the city limits of Roland and during a routine traffic stop, he was assaulted by Officer Robert Dean.
"As a result of the assault, the plaintiff suffered pain, emotional stress and humiliation," according to the suit.
On Jan. 16, Lewis made a claim with the town, and on Feb. 14 that claim was denied.
Lewis alleges that the town knew or should have known that Dean "is not emotionally suited to be a police officer."
Keith Wasson, town administrator, said the suit has been referred to the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG), according to Oklahoma governmental tort claim law.
Wasson said he presumes OMAG will be representing the town in the litigation.
Wasson confirmed that Dean is still employed with the town. When asked if Dean had been disciplined in regard to the traffic stop with Lewis, Wasson said, "Not to my knowledge."
