Samuel Gonzalez has taken legal action against the Village of Summit, Illinois, and two of its police officers, alleging false arrest and malicious prosecution. On November 6, 2024, Gonzalez filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Officers Donato and Pasquel.
According to the lawsuit, Samuel Gonzalez claims that on June 23, 2023, he was wrongfully arrested by Officers Donato and Pasquel without any probable cause or warrant. The officers accused him of assaulting Officer Pasquel and obstructing Officer Donato's investigation. However, Gonzalez asserts that these allegations were fabricated. He maintains that he neither committed any offense nor behaved in a manner that would justify such charges. The complaint states that at no point did either officer witness Gonzalez committing a crime or receive information suggesting his involvement in criminal activity.
Gonzalez further contends that after his arrest, both officers signed sworn complaints containing false accusations against him. Specifically, Officer Pasquel claimed that Gonzalez rushed towards him with threatening language, while Officer Donato alleged interference during an investigation by not following commands and attempting to evade arrest. Gonzalez denies all these accusations and highlights that he was acquitted of all charges on August 2, 2024.
The lawsuit argues that these actions by Officers Donato and Pasquel violated Gonzalez's Fourth Amendment rights by subjecting him to false arrest and malicious prosecution. Additionally, it accuses the Village of Summit of being liable for these acts under the doctrine of respondeat superior as they constitute the Illinois tort of malicious prosecution.
In seeking justice, Samuel Gonzalez requests compensatory and punitive damages from Officers Donato and Pasquel as well as compensatory damages from the Village of Summit. He also demands reimbursement for legal fees and costs incurred during this process.
Representing Samuel Gonzalez are attorneys Kenneth N. Flaxman and Joel A. Flaxman from Chicago. The case is filed under Case ID: 1:24-cv-11448 in front of an unspecified judge.