Washington Teen Kicked by Officer Seeks $450K

February 16, 2011

A teen shown on video being kicked in the groin, ribs and face by an undercover Seattle police officer has filed a claim for $450,000 against the City of Seattle.

Lawyer Christopher Carney says the then-17-year-old youth was a victim of “unjustified and excessive” force from Officer James Lee last Oct. 18. The officer’s actions were caught on a convenience store’s video camera.

Seattle Police Officers Guild President Rich O’Neill says the officer ordered the teen repeatedly to get on the ground.

Police have said an undercover officer was attacked nearby on the same night while attempting a drug buy-bust.

KOMO-TV says the city’s risk management team is reviewing the claim. The State Patrol is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident at the request of Seattle Police Chief John Diaz. Lee remains on administrative leave.