A Stratford resident is suing the Stratford Police Services (SPS) for injuries sustained during an arrest last summer.
Timothy Kokkas is suing the SPS for $300,000, for damages for assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional harm, and punitive and aggravated damages for deterrence, in addition to some damages as determined in court.
Kokkas, 44, alleges that two local police officers “violently, viciously and without lawful excuse,” tackled him to the ground on or about August 27, 2023, according to the statement of claim filed at Stratford's Ontario Court of Justice.
None of the allegations have been proven in court and a statement of defence has not yet been filed.
Kokkas had outstanding charges at the time and was in breach of his bail requirements when an officer spotted him. He claims to have run when he was spotted by a second cruiser and then stopped and put up his hands.
Kokkas further alleged that one of the officers thrust his knee into his back and used it in a forceful manner while the other officer struck him numerous times on his upper arms and head.
During and following the arrest he tried to tell the officers that they were hurting him and that he could not breathe.
He was transported to Stratford General Hospital where x-rays indicated that his arm and back were not broken, but did have torn ligaments in his right arm, a large laceration at the crown of his head, two smaller lacerations towards the front of his head, and scrapes on his knee and bruises.
Kokkas receives ongoing treatment for his injuries. He is currently incarcerated at the Stratford Jail.
The case was filed on Feb. 13.
John Langlois, who is representing Kokkas in this suit, did not respond to request for comment. Stratford police chief Gregory Skinner was unavailable for comment.
