The man arrested and beaten by Rochester police officers in a case of mistaken identity is suing the City of Rochester and officers who were involved in his arrest
Christopher Pate is charging assault and battery by police, as well as wrongful arrest. Both the mayor and police chief have condemned the actions of the two officers involved, and released the full body cam video of the incident to the public. Officer Michael Sippel was later found guilty of misdemeanor assault and fired from the RPD. He’s currently awaiting sentencing.
The lawsuit contends Officer Sippel had a known “pattern of conduct” including use of excessive force. It cites four other cases as examples.