Woman files excessive force suit against Minneapolis officer

A 23-year-old Maple Grove woman is suing a Minneapolis police officer and the city on accusations her civil rights were violated when she was punched during an arrest last June.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges officer Tyrone Barze Jr. used excessive force when he punched and knocked Madelyn Milton unconscious after she tried to record him arresting several of her friends. It's seeking an unspecified amount of damages for traumatic brain injury Milton suffered in the incident.

Milton's attorney said in court that Barze has been named in at least four other abuse suits. He said the case reflects comments Mayor Betsy Hodges made last fall about officers who violate the public's trust with repetitive misconduct.

A police spokesman and the city attorney said they couldn't comment on pending litigation.