A Black business owner in Alabama is suing a police department and a white officer who broke his jaw after responding to a robbery call at his store.
Kevin Penn filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Decatur and a Decatur Police officer, Justin Rippen. His claim stems from a March 2020 incident inside his Star Spirits and Beverage liquor store. Penn had trapped a shoplifter inside the store using an electronic lock. As the suspect lay on the ground, Penn held him at gunpoint until the police arrived. Surveillance footage captured Penn unloading his weapon and placing the magazine down as police arrived at the building. However, officers walked past the suspect and demanded Penn put his gun down. He refused, telling authorities, “I have a right to have my gun.” Shortly after, Rippen punches Penn in the face as two other officers tussle him on the ground and handcuff him. Penn was ultimately charged with obstructing a robbery investigation.
The entrepreneur sustained a knocked-out tooth and broken jaw, forcing his mouth to be wired shut for six weeks. Rippen was not reprimanded for the attack.
In his lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Alabama, Penn said he was the victim of intentional police brutality. He previously filed an unlawful stop and illegal search complaint against Decatur Police.
Penn is seeking unspecified monetary damages. The City of Decatur has not yet responded to Penn’s lawsuit.
