Vikings’ Tom Johnson sues two Minneapolis officers over 2014 arrest
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Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson is suing two Minneapolis police officers over a 2014 arrest in which he was pepper-sprayed and tasered outside of a restaurant, reports the Star Tribune.
Johnson is accusing two officers of numerous violations, such as excessive force, false arrest and unreasonable seizure. Johnson was acquitted of all charges from his arrest last June.
The defensive tackle had been charged with misdemeanor offenses of trespassing, disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer after police said he ignored commands to leave a downtown Minneapolis restaurant after it had closed. Johnson, in his lawsuit, says the two police officers, who were in uniform but off-duty at the time of the incident, instigated the confrontation.
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Johnson played in 15 games for the Vikings last season, recording 5 1/2 sacks and 36 tackles. He signed a three-year deal with the team in 2015.
The lawsuit is seeking $75,000 in damages.
