Former high school student sues officer for excessive force
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) — A former high school student in Rhode Island has filed a federal lawsuit accusing a school resource officer of forcing him to the ground and injuring him in 2018.
Former Narragansett High School student Michael Blanchette said Narragansett Patrolman Kyle Rooney used excessive force and wrongfully targeted him, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday.
A video captured by the school’s surveillance system shows Blanchette and the officer speaking to each other in a school hallway. Blanchette is then seen showing a middle finger to Rooney. Rooney then appears to force Blancehette on the ground using a “take-down method,” according to the lawsuit.
The struggle between the two continues for a few more minutes before Blanchette is handcuffed and escorted out.
Blanchette was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after the altercation, but those charges were ultimately dropped, according to his attorney Amato DeLuca.
The lawsuit states Blanchette is seeking compensation for lost income, medical bills, mental anguish and emotional distress. In addition to Rooney, the lawsuit named several Narragansett town and education officials as defendants.
The superintendent of Narragansett schools, town manager and chief of police all declined to comment to WPRI-TV.