Victim sues city and officer

Updated: Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 9:51 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 9:51 PM CST

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Both the city of Mobile and a Mobile police officer are being sued after a police-involved accident.

Anthony Croomes’ attorney filed suit Monday against Officer Robert Harris and the city after a car accident that left him critically injured.  

“I would not wish it on the worst enemy I had,” Croomes said.

The lawsuit claims that Harris was negligent and caused the accident back in May.

Croomes said his medical bills have been piling up ever since and believes, after speaking with his attorney, that legal action was his only option.

“I've asked him two questions. I asked, 'Do you sell out folks? Are you scared of Mobile?' And he said no to both of them,” Croomes said.

He said he now lives with metal plates in his lower back and has difficulty walking, among other injuries.

His lawyer Bryan Murphy said the internal investigation revealed Officer Harris was driving 65mph in a 40 mph zone.

He said the reports show Harris was not responding to an emergency call when he crashed into two different vehicles, injuring five people.  

Witnesses on the scene said that the officer appeared to be speeding to beat a red light.

“It was the officer's fault. If he had been on-call or had a reason I could see it, but it wasn't like that,”  Croomes said.

Croomes’ attorney said there are reasons for suing the officer as well as the city, but wouldn't go into details.

He did however say the $100,000 cap for damages against a municipality played a factor in their decision to also sue Officer Harris.

Authorities said Harris was given an 84 hour suspension, his driving privileges were revoked indefinitely, and he was assigned to a walking beat downtown.

Croomes’ said his medical expenses could add up to half-a-million dollars, and he needs help.

The police department has not yet commented on the internal investigation.

Murphy said they are waiting for the city and Officer Harris’ answer to the complaint.