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Cleveland Police Lawsuit: Excessive Force Claims Spark Outrage

3/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Theodor e Jenkins Jr. filed a lawsuit accusing Cleveland police of excessive force against his son at a shopping mall.
The suit says a male officer struck the teen with a baton after misinterpreting a female officer's statement, causing concussion.
It also accuses Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd and Mayor Justin Bibb of fostering violence against Black individuals.
Despite federal investigations and a consent decree, officials say misconduct persists in Cleveland.

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Story summary

Theodor e Jenkins Jr. filed a lawsuit accusing Cleveland police of excessive force against his son at a shopping mall.
The suit says a male officer struck the teen with a baton after misinterpreting a female officer's statement, causing concussion.
It also accuses Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd and Mayor Justin Bibb of fostering violence against Black individuals.
Despite federal investigations and a consent decree, officials say misconduct persists in Cleveland.