By
KBJR News 1
Superior,
WI (NNCNOW.com)--- The defense attorney for a Superior woman alleging police
brutality has filed an intent to sue against the city of Superior, for an
altercation between his client and Superior Police Officer George Gothner
outside of the Keyport Lounge in early January.
Attorney
Rick Gondik filed the claim on April 25 seeking more than $50,000 for physical
and psychological damages Natasha Lancour suffered as a result of the alleged
attack.
The
claim states that Gothner used excessive force and physically assaulted Lancour
by grabbing her hair, slamming her face down on the hood of his squad car,
slapping her in the face, and then punching her in the face with a closed fist
numerous times before throwing her to the ground.
The
file states that Lancour suffered injuries to her head, face, neck and stomach
and received medical care.
According
to the claim, she suffers from anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, symptoms of
P-T-S-D and fear.
"We
can't rewind her life. We can't rewind the officer's life. We can't erase what
happened. and there's only one way to make it right and that's through monetary
damages. and that's really nothing we should be embarrassed about or Natasha
should be embarrassed about because monetary damages bring about change,"
said Rick Gondik, defense attorney for Lancour.
Wisconsin
law requires that written notice of a claim has to be filed within 120 days
from the event happening.
Lancour
is expected back in court on June 4 for a status conference.
Meanwhile,
Officer Gothner remains on paid administrative leave while a decision about his
use of force is still under review by Bayfield District Attorney Fred Bourg.