Lawsuit filed against Covington officer accused of using excessive force
COVINGTON, Ky. (WXIX) - A man claiming a Covington police officer used excessive force during an arrest has filed a lawsuit.
Alexander Kallmeyer, of Kenton County, is suing Covington Police Officer Samuel Mathews, according to a copy of the lawsuit.
The suit alleges the officer assaulted Kallmeyer and violated his rights.
The lawsuit claims Kallmeyer was walking near 11th Street and Madison just after 12 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2023, when the officer saw him cross the street against a traffic light.
Per the lawsuit, the officer thought Kallmeyer was intoxicated and confronted him.
Officer Mathews then instructs Kallmeyer to take his hands out of his pockets, which Kallmeyer did.
Moments later, the lawsuit says Kallmeyer slowly stepped toward the cruiser and that’s when Officer Mathews grabbed Kallmeyer by his shoulders and shoved him into the cruiser.
The Covington police cruiser sustained between $500 to $1,000 in damage, according to the lawsuit.
The suit alleges Kallmeyer was knocked unconscious by the force of the blow and landed in the gutter, leaving him bruised and permanently scarred.
The City of Covington did issue a statement, saying they are standing behind Officer Mathews.
Dan Hassert, communication manager for the city of Covington, sent us a statement in response -
“We’re aware of the incident,” stated Covington Communication Manager Dan Hassert. “After conversations with Mr. Kallmeyer’s attorney and reviewing the evidence, we’re going to defend our officer.”
The lawsuit claims the officer turned on his body camera and recorded video of the confrontation but did not turn on the camera’s audio.
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