SUN: Family of ‘Big Sam’ Brown sues Baltimore County, officer who fatally punched him

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — The family of Samuel “Big Sam” Brown, who died 11 days after being punched to the ground in Gwynn Oak by a Baltimore County Police officer in February, is suing the county over claims that Brown’s death was the result of the police department’s “longstanding” patterns and practices of using excessive force and failing to train and discipline officers.

Filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court, the suit also names Officer Derek Hadel as a defendant, alleging that Hadel failed to employ the department’s de-escalation policies during a wellness check and used excessive force.

“What he needed was help,” said Del. Malcolm Ruff, an attorney representing the family, during a news conference Tuesday. “And instead, Officer Hadel punched him twice in the head.”

The filing comes nearly two weeks after the Maryland Attorney General’s Office said it would not seek charges against Hadel. In its report, the agency said there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officer had violated the law when he punched Brown in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and strike his head.

Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun.