Normandy firefighter Adam Weinstein claims Belleville police illegally arrested him and roughed him up because of a T-Shirt he was wearing, according to a new lawsuit filed in St. Clair County, Illinois.

On the back and front of his T-Shirt, the word "POLICE" was written in all capital letters.

"This was an improper and unconstitutional seizure of this person in two ways," attorney Howard Shalowitz told me this morning. "First, the seizure should not have taken place, and second, after it did take place, the officer used excessive force."

Weinstein was not employed by the Normandy Fire Protection District at the time of the incident at pre-Christmas party on Dec. 23, 2006, Shalowitz said. He was an emergency medical technician and security guard.

The lawsuit was filed last week.

Belleville police did not immediately comment on the suit when contacted by News 4.

You can read more details by following this link:

http://www.stclairrecord.com/news/216591-man-arrested-for-wearing-police-t-shirt-at-christmas-party-sues-belleville-officer

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