Attica Scott Lawsuit
Attica Scott Lawsuit
Attica Scott Lawsuit
-AND-
ASHANTI SCOTT
-AND-
SHAMEKA PARRISH-WRIGHT
v. COMPLAINT
-AND-
JOHN DOE
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counsel, and for their Complaint against Defendants, Alex Eades, Interim Chief
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Robert Schroeder, and John Doe, state as follows:
1. The Plaintiff, Attica Scott, is and was at all times relevant herein a
2. The Plaintiff, Ashanti Scott, is and was at all times relevant herein a
capacity for his individual misfeasance, his individual acts of negligence, for his own
the Complaint. This Defendant is also named in his official capacity and acted under
5. Upon information and belief, Defendant, Alex Eades, is and was at all
Commonwealth of Kentucky.
his individual capacity for his individual misfeasance, his individual acts of
negligence, for his own personal tortuous acts, and negligent discharge of his duties,
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is also named in his official capacity and acted under color of state law.
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7. Upon information and belief, Defendant, Interim Chief Robert
Schroeder, is and was at all times relevant herein employed and/or residing in
capacity for his/her individual misfeasance, his/her individual acts of negligence, for
his/her own personal tortuous acts, and negligent discharge of his/her duties, as an
officer with LMPD, as described throughout the Complaint. Defendant John Doe is
also named in his/her official capacity and acted under color of state law.
9. Upon information and belief, Defendant John Doe is and was at all
10. All of the actions described herein took place in Jefferson County,
Kentucky.
transpired giving rise to the causes of action stated herein occurred in Jefferson
County, Kentucky, and this Court has proper jurisdiction of this action.
12. That the claims of the Plaintiffs exceed the minimal jurisdictional
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
Fischer issued an executive order placing a 9:00 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. curfew, as a
result of protests taking place in Louisville, Kentucky, with the exception of residents
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going to church, work, or seeking medical treatment. The curfew was ordered to last
14. On Thursday, September 24, 2020, Plaintiffs were walking near the
intersection of West Broadway and Third Street in downtown Louisville, before 9:00
p.m., attempting to seek sanctuary on the private property of First Unitarian Church
15. Plaintiffs walked down South Third Street and approached a barricaded
area blocked off by LMPD officers near the Third Street entrance of the architecture
firm Luckett & Farley, located at 737 South Third Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.
16. Unable to access First Unitarian Church by way of South Third Street,
17. Plaintiffs again were blocked from reaching the church by another
18. Plaintiffs Attica Scott and Ashanti Scott were then immediately
19. The arresting LMPD officers include Defendant Alex Eades and an
unknown officer, listed in the criminal matter Commonwealth vs. Parrish, Shameka,
Jefferson County Case No. 20-F-007639, as “LMPD,” who is identified as John Doe in
this matter.
20. Before the arrest, Plaintiff Attica Scott and others walking with her
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announced to LMPD officers, including Defendants Eades and John Doe, that they
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21. Plaintiffs were not permitted to pass the barricade and reach sanctuary,
22. Plaintiff Attica Scott asked officers three times, “Where do you want us
to go?”
24. LMPD officers commanded Plaintiffs to “sit down” and began arresting
civilians, including the Plaintiffs, preventing them from entering First Unitarian
misdemeanor per KRS 525.050; and, 4) “any misdemeanor charge not covered by
these codes.”
Louisville.
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Bail Project.
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31. The facts contained in the preceding paragraphs are not intended to be
a complete recitation of the facts and/or tortious acts committed by Defendants which
33. Defendants Alex Eades and John Doe, acting individually, and under
color of state law and by virtue of their official position, office, and employment,
wrongfully and without probable cause, arrested Plaintiffs and caused them to be
legal justification and the charges filed against Plaintiffs did not have a basis in fact.
36. The actions of Defendants, Alex Eades and John Doe, as set forth herein,
Plaintiffs bring said claim to redress the deprivation and violation, under color of
state law, of the rights, privileges, and immunities guaranteed to Plaintiffs by the
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky including, but not limited to, the
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37. The actions set forth herein constitute false arrest and unlawful
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imprisonment.
39. As a result of Defendant Alex Eades’ and Defendant John Doe’s actions,
40. Defendants Eades and Doe made false allegations without probable
41. Defendants Eades and Doe maliciously and without probable cause
instituted judicial proceedings against Attica Scott, Ashanti Scott, and Shameka
44. The actions of Defendants Alex Eades and John Doe constitute the
employment of the legal process for some other purpose than which it was intended.
45. The actions of Defendants Eades and Doe constitute the irregular or
46. Defendants Eades’ and Doe’s purpose in having Plaintiffs arrested was
not in order to promote justice but with an ulterior purpose and with a willful act in
the use of process not proper in the regular conduct of the proceeding.
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47. The actions of the Defendants Eades and Doe constitute abuse of process
49. Defendants Alex Eades and Doe acted intentionally and willfully in an
extreme and outrageous manner and/or with reckless disregard of the consequences
of their actions while acting individually, in their official capacity, and as an agents
50. These actions were outrageous and intolerable and they offend generally
Doe’s intentional, extreme, and outrageous conduct and/or their disregard for the
52. The actions of Defendants Eades and Doe constitute the intentional
54. The acts and omissions of Defendants Alex Eades and John Doe, while
acting individually, in their official capacity, and as an agent and/or servant of LMPD,
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were negligent in that Defendants Eades and Doe had a duty under in the
circumstances to act with ordinary care toward Plaintiffs, they failed in that duty by
the manner in which they treated Defendants Eades and Doe, and their actions were
55. These actions were outrageous and intolerable and they offend generally
reasonable person would not be expected to endure the mental stress engendered by
58. The actions of Defendants Eades and Doe constitute the negligent
and/or by and through his agents and employees, was responsible for the hiring,
training, supervision, retention and conduct of Defendants Alex Eades and John Doe.
and/or by and through his agents and employees, had a duty to use reasonable care
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Doe.
and/or by and through his agents and employees, was negligent in hiring, training,
63. Defendant Interim Chief Robert Schroeder knew or should have known
65. The acts and omissions of Defendant Interim Chief Robert Schroeder, in
his individual capacity and/or by and through his agents and employees, in the hiring,
substantial factor and a direct and proximate cause of the Plaintiffs’ damages.
Eades and Doe, Plaintiffs have suffered damages including, but not limited to, severe
emotional distress.
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70. Defendants Alex Eades’ and John Doe’s statements and testimony
were responsible for committing criminal offenses, including one felony, without a
72. Plaintiffs suffered loss of standing and reputation as a result of the false
statements.
75. As a result of Defendants Alex Eades’ and John Doe’s actions, while
acting individually, in their official capacity, and as agents and/or servants of the
76. Defendants Eades’ and Doe’s actions as set forth herein constitute false
78. Defendants Alex Eades and John Doe assaulted and battered Plaintiffs
while acting individually, in their official capacity, and as agents and/or servants of
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the Louisville Metro Police Department.
79. Defendants Eades’ and Doe’s actions resulted in the reasonable fear of
touching.
81. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants Eades’ and Doe’s assault
and battery of Attica Scott, Ashanti Scott, and Shameka Parrish-Wright, they
82. The actions of Defendants Eades and Doe constitute assault and battery.
punitive damages against the Defendants in that the Defendants actions were
intentional and/or constitute a complete failure to exercise reasonable care under the
wanton and/or reckless indifference or a complete disregard for the life, safety, or
rights of Plaintiffs.
85. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and other causes of
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action herein asserted against the Defendants, Plaintiffs, Attica Scott, Ashanti Scott,
injuries including, but not limited to, mental and emotional pain and suffering; were
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caused to suffer great and lasting humiliation and embarrassment; were caused to
suffer constitutional and dignitary harm; were wrongfully deprived of their liberty
and were subject to ridicule, scorn and contempt; and all other damages which were
both temporary and permanent; all to their damage in an amount which exceeds the
86. The actions and omissions of the Defendants constitute reckless, grossly
87. These actions rise to a level that permits the imposition of punitive
damages.
Ashanti Scott, and Shameka Parrish-Wright, for the damages they have
incurred;
3. Trial by jury;
6. Any and all other relief to which the Plaintiffs may appear entitled,
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Respectfully submitted,
/s/Vanessa B. Cantley___________________
Vanessa B. Cantley
Patrick E. Markey
BAHE COOK CANTLEY & NEFZGER PLC
1041 Goss Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40217
vanessa@bccnlaw.com
patrick@bccnlaw.com
Tel. (502) 587-2002
Fax (502) 587-2006
and
Steven R. Romines
ROMINES WEIS & YOUNG, PSC
600 W. Main Street
Suite 100
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NO. ______________________ JEFFERSON CIRCUIT COURT
DIVISION _________________
JUDGE _________________
ELECTRONICALLY FILED
-AND-
ASHANTI SCOTT
-AND-
SHAMEKA PARRISH-WRIGHT
-AND-
JOHN DOE
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Plaintiffs, Attica Scott, Ashanti Scott, and Shameka Parrish-Wright, by
counsel, hereby request that Defendants Alex Eades and Interim Chief Robert
Documents according to Civil Rules 33 and 34, under oath and in writing, within
forty-five (45) days from service hereof. In accordance with CR 34, Defendants are
requested to produce the documents requested herein for inspection and copying at
the offices of Plaintiffs’ counsel at the 1041 Goss Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky
40217.
Plaintiffs define various words and phrases which may appear in these
fully and accurately understand the objectives of Plaintiffs’ discovery efforts while
assisting Defendants’ efforts to locate and furnish the relevant information. Plaintiffs
incorporate the following definitions into each Interrogatory and/or Request and rely
Schroeder, and/or all representatives acting on their behalf with respect to any matter
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inquired about in these requests including but not limited to all employees, attorneys,
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2. “Eades” means Alex Eades and/or all representatives acting on his
behalf with respect to any matter inquired about in these requests including but not
representatives acting on his behalf with respect to any matter inquired about in
these requests including but not limited to all employees, attorneys, consulting agents
4. “Lawsuit” refers to the suit entitled Attica Scott, et al. v. Alex Eades,
5. The term “document” means and includes each and every medium
means, by hand or by any other method, whether by you or someone else, that is or
has been within your possession, custody, control, or of which you have knowledge
ELECTRONIC MAIL MESSAGES; file folders; files; films; forms; graphs; indexes;
inspection reports; journals; ledgers; letters; local, state and federal government
hearing records and reports; magnetic tapes, cards, or discs or other products of any
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stories or clippings; notebooks; notices; notices of deficiencies; notices of rejections;
form; and working papers. The term “document” also includes the original and
every copy which is not identical to the original, specifically including every copy
original. The term “document” also includes all drafts of each of the above.
data ever placed into or stored on any of your computers or computers upon which
your employees perform their job duties, including, but not limited to, any hard
drives, servers, lap tops, disks, storage systems, retrieval systems and similar
systems, calendar systems, tickler systems and any other computer programs or
films, negatives, slides, photos, digital images, visual images stored on computers,
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Polaroids, movie pictures, videotapes, movies, and pictures, whether developed or
not.
computer data, photographs, photos, videos, and videotapes that in any manner or
form are relevant in any way to the subject matter of the above-captioned Lawsuit,
summarize, evaluate, comment upon, or discuss the events giving rise to the above-
captioned Lawsuit or that in any manner state the background of, or were the basis
for, or that relate to, record, evaluate, comment upon, or were referred to, relied
which is the subject of the interrogatory, however if you are not able to be "specific,"
statement of any nature whatsoever, by and to whomsoever made including, but not
more persons.
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statement signed or otherwise adopted or approved by the person making it; and (b)
and/or refers to the events and factual allegations more fully described in Plaintiffs’
13. “Expert” means any expert who is expected to testify at the Lawsuit by
deposition or in person, either in your case in chief or rebuttal, as well as any expert
anticipation of litigation or preparation for the Lawsuit but will not be called to testify
and whose work product forms a basis either in whole or in part of the testimony of an
14. “Person” or “persons” means not only natural persons, but also
and any divisions or departments or other units of any of the entities defined
herein.
agreement whereby any person or business firm may be liable to pay a sum of
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money upon the happening of a particular event or contingency or upon the
under which any person or organization may be liable to pay all or part of any
the costs or attorneys’ fees incurred in being a party to this Lawsuit, or to indemnify
or reimburse for payments made to satisfy any judgment entered in this Lawsuit.
“Insurance policy” also includes all types of insurance policies, including but not
coverage, builder’s risk, all risk, excess and umbrella. Further, “insurance policy”
means and includes, but is not limited to all insurance policies and attachments
thereto, and other similar documents pertaining to the insurance policy, including,
17. The term "identify" with reference to a document means to state the
date, author, type of document, or some other means of identifying it and its present
location or custodian. If any such document was, but is no longer, in your possession
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or subject to your control, state what disposition was made of it. With reference to a
person it means to state the person or entity’s full name, current home address and
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telephone number, current business address, telephone number, and company
other relevant employment classification or job title and job description, his or her
social security number, and his or her education, certification, and job title.
INTERROGATORIES
the official position and/or job title of each. If more than one person provided the
ANSWER:
statements (or transcription thereof) from any of the named Plaintiffs, or any other
person that you believe possesses knowledge of facts relevant to this lawsuit. If so,
identify the document and provide the date such statement was obtained and the
ANSWER:
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3. Please state whether Defendant, the Louisville Metro Police
agents have made or possess any photographs, movies, visual recordings or voice
recordings of any of the Plaintiffs or the Plaintiffs’ family members. If so, identify
these records and provide the date such recording was made or obtained and the
identity of the person from whom the statement was take of or obtained from.
ANSWER:
conducted an investigation into the incidents at issue that form the basis of this
reached in said investigation. Please identify each document that formed the basis
of opinions, was used to refresh your recollection, or that was used as an aid to help
you complete your answers to these Interrogatories. If not, please explain why.
ANSWER:
5. State the names and addresses of all persons known to you to possess
knowledge of relevant facts concerning the occurrence complained of, and provide
ANSWER:
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6. Please identify any and all exhibits, demonstrative evidence, or other
documentary evidence, that you intend to utilize at the trial of this matter.
ANSWER:
7. Please identify the names, phone numbers and addresses of all persons
you will call to testify or intend to call to testify at the trial of this matter.
ANSWER:
qualifications of any person who may be called as an expert witness on your behalf.
For each person identified, please state the subject matter to which the expert
witness is expected to testify, a synopsis of the facts and opinions that he/she is
expected to testify to, and a summary of the grounds for each such opinion held.
ANSWER:
10. If you or your counsel believes another person, entity and/or third
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party is or may be liable for the actions described in the Plaintiffs’ Complaint and/or
would justify apportionment of comparable fault, please identify said person, entity,
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and/or third party and describe in specific detail how said party(ies) are liable for
the actions described in the Plaintiffs’ Complaint and please describe in specific
ANSWER:
11. Provide the following information for each of your years of employment
held;
allegations, reasons, and dates, that have been taken against you.
Specifically stating what the action was, why it was taken, and the
ANSWER:
12. Please identify each and every legal action (of any nature), within the
past 10 years, to which you have been a party. Specifically identify the dates of each
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action, the causes of action involved in each action, and the results of said legal
action.
ANSWER:
subject occurrence.
ANSWER:
those employed in your capacity as a police officer at LMPD at the time of the
occurrence, and identify where such procedure is located in the Standard Operating
Procedures (herein after “SOP”) maintained and used by LMPD, or any other SOP
ANSWER:
police officers employed by LMPD when implementing a curfew, and please state
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whether you contend that you followed such procedures at the time of the
occurrence.
ANSWER:
16. Please describe in specific detail the duties of a police officer employed
by LMPD, identifying all SOP which govern the conduct of police officers employed
by LMPD.
ANSWER:
ANSWER:
18. Please describe in detail the nature and duration of the training or
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experience sufficient to qualify one for such appointment as a police officer and/or
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interim police chief with the LMPD and state whether you satisfied such
requirements.
ANSWER:
19. Please provide your entire work history prior to LMPD, including the
name and address of your employer, your title, job duties, direct supervisor (by
name, address, and telephone number), dates of employment, your rate of pay, and
ANSWER:
2. The names and addresses of all persons who preferred such charges;
and
3. The date and outcome of such procedure, including the date and
ANSWER:
ANSWER:
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22. State the “chain-of-command” in place during your tenure as a
narcotics detective, including the name, title, and job duties of each person in the
chain-of-command.
ANSWER:
23. Please list your education history, including the name of the
ANSWER:
Interrogatories.
RESPONSE:
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3. In regard to Interrogatory No. 3, please provide copies of any and all
RESPONSE:
materials compiled during any investigation performed, as well as the final report.
RESPONSE:
RESPONSE:
prepared by each expert witness pertaining to the subject matter of this action and
any documents they will present or that are intended to presented to the expert
RESPONSE:
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7. In regard to Interrogatory No. 11, sub-part 5, please provide a copy of
any and all documents regarding or evidencing disciplinary actions taken against
RESPONSE:
RESPONSE:
or are otherwise relevant to the occurrence which is the subject of this lawsuit.
RESPONSE:
10. Please provide a copy of any and all documents reflecting the
organizational structure of the LMPD, including, but not limited to, documents
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reflecting the names and rank of each person within the organizational structure.
RESPONSE:
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11. Please provide a copy of any and all training materials you have within
your custody or control that relate in any way to your training as a police officer
RESPONSE:
12. Please provide a copy of any and all documents, (including but not
mail, memoranda, or anecdotal notes), that relate in any way to any of the Plaintiffs
RESPONSE:
13. Please provide a copy of any and all documents, (including but not
mail, memoranda, or anecdotal notes), that relate in any way to your job
performance or expectations, including but not limited to arrest rates and conviction
RESPONSE:
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14. Please provide a copy of all documents that you or your attorney used
during any hearings of the Merit Board, whether admitted into evidence or used for
RESPONSE:
provided to the press, and any drafts or previous versions of press releases or
prepared statements.
RESPONSE:
RESPONSE:
RESPONSE:
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Respectfully submitted,
and
Steven R. Romines
ROMINES WEIS & YOUNG, PSC
600 W. Main Street
Suite 100
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on the 14th day of June 2021, a copy of the foregoing
pleading was filed with the Complaint initiating this lawsuit, to be served, either
electronically, personally or by First-Class Mail, postage prepaid, upon the following
Defendants:
-AND-
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