Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin faces allegations of using excessive force against a woman just months before his involvement in George Floyd’s death, according to a new lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed in Minnesota federal court on Tuesday, May 21, on behalf of Patty Day, a Minneapolis resident, claims Chauvin and his former partner Ellen Jensen used excessive force during a January 2020 arrest.
Day, who was not resisting arrest, alleges she was forcefully removed from her vehicle and thrown to the ground, resulting in a fractured tooth and bruises.
The incident occurred after Day, who was struggling with personal issues at the time, parked her car in a snowbank to rest. Police were called, and despite Day not being informed she was under arrest, Chauvin allegedly pulled her from the vehicle. Body camera footage reportedly contradicts the officers’ accounts.
Day was initially charged with DWI but the charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
The lawsuit mentions Chauvin’s alleged history of misconduct and cites other victims and settlements paid by the city.
Day is seeking a jury trial and damages.
