An EIU swim team member is suing several Illinois law enforcement agencies following what he calls an “unlawful arrest” and detainment near the Quad Cities.
Butler said in February of 2019 he was held at gunpoint by officers from the East Moline and Hampton, Illinois Police Departments, along with officers from the Rock Island County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office and two other officers from unknown law enforcement agencies. Butler was returning from a swim meet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
According to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU, “Mr. Butler went from riding on a bus with his college swim team… to being forcefully held on the ground by police officers with a handgun pressed into his forehead while a police officer threatened to “blow his (expletive) head off” if he moved.
Butler’s attorneys allege that their client did not commit a crime, but “continued with detention and arrest” after realizing they were “mistaken in arresting Jaylan”.
Following the incident, Butler told at least two of the officers he wanted to make a complaint. One of the officers is accused of telling Butler “there’s nothing I can do” and did not provide badge numbers, agencies or provide him with any information to file a complaint.
Butler is suing for false arrest, excessive detention, and excessive use of force.
