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ST. LOUIS — An African-American male who was shot by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer as he tried to leave a casino is suing for the use of excessive force.
Javon M. Burton filed a complaint on Nov. 14 in the St. Louis 22nd Judicial Circuit Court against Lumiere Place Casino, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sgt. Todd M. Barthelmass, alleging assault and battery after Barthelmass blocked the plaintiff's car and shot him.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Nov. 14, 2015 he was shot in the arm for no apparent reason by Barthelmass. As a result, he has suffered personal injuries, bodily harm, pain and suffering, fear, and emotional distress. The plaintiff holds the casino and highway patrol responsible because they allegedly failed to properly train, supervise and monitor Barthelmass.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendants in an amount of more than $25,000, plus costs and any further relief that the court may deem just and proper. Burton is represented by Jerryl T. Christmas of St. Louis.
St. Louis 22nd Judicial Circuit Court case number 1722-CC11766