Bicycle teenager accuses police in San Diego of assault

A Carmel Mountain teenager has filed a lawsuit against the San Diego Police Department, claiming an officer intentionally ran into the 17-year-old last year as he was riding a small motorcycle in his neighborhood.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in San Diego, alleges that Stefan Bradley was struck from behind by a police motorcycle near the intersection of Highland Ranch Road and World Trade Drive on July 31 and then handcuffed after the teenager fell to the ground.

The lawsuit accuses Bradley of assault, battery and excessive force.

Police officials did not respond to the Union-Tribune’s request for comment. The officer is not named in the lawsuit.

On the night of the incident, Bradley was riding a pit bike — a lightweight motorcycle — home when the officer crashed his motorcycle into the back of the pit bike, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit alleges the teen did not see the officer turn on his lights or sirens or give any commands before they came into contact.

“Stefan feared for his life and did not believe he could stop without injury,” the lawsuit states. “Stefan was confused, frightened and wanted to distance himself from (the officer).”

The officer attempted to detain Bradley and then drove into the teen again, the lawsuit says. Bradley fell off his bike, injured his wrist and scraped his body.

The officer stopped, got off his motorcycle and told Bradley he was under arrest, court documents say. Then another officer arrived and handcuffed the teen. The lawsuit does not specify what charge the teen was arrested on.

“At no time did Stefan use force against the officers or behave in a violent or threatening manner,” the lawsuit states. “The (officer) violated Stefan’s rights by causing him injuries, sustained and severe emotional distress and property damage (to the pit bike).”

Bradley was hospitalized and later released. According to the lawsuit, he was never charged with a crime.

Originally published: July 20, 2024 at 5:00 am