A financial advisor has filed a lawsuit against a national transportation corporation and its officers, alleging severe misconduct that led to his wrongful detention. On August 13, 2024, Eric Gatlin filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and ten unknown officers.
The lawsuit recounts an incident on October 22, 2022, when Gatlin was mistakenly identified as a robbery suspect while returning home from a business trip. According to the complaint, Gatlin was tackled by Amtrak police officers at Union Station in Chicago without warning. Despite not matching the description of the actual suspect—a man significantly older and heavier—Gatlin was subjected to excessive force and public humiliation. "While on the ground and helpless, Defendant Officers pointed their guns at his head, threatening to kill him if he moved," reads one harrowing detail from the filing.
Gatlin's ordeal did not end there. Even after it became clear that he was not the individual they were searching for, officers continued to detain him and search his belongings. The complaint notes that Gatlin was never read his Miranda Rights during this process. Eventually released with an offhand comment about his unfortunate name similarity to the suspect, Gatlin now suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and physical injuries resulting from the incident.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages under 42 U.S.C. §1983 for violations of his Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Additionally, he demands indemnification from Amtrak under Illinois law should any of its officers be found liable for their actions during this incident.
Representing Gatlin is Jeanette Samuels of Samuels & Associates, Ltd., based in Chicago. The case has been assigned Case ID No. 24 CV 7137.