New suit filed in Chesco brutality claim

The attorney for a Chester County man who accused a state police narcotics agent of brutality filed a federal civil-rights suit Wednesday, seeking more than $100,000 in damages against Trooper Kelly Cruz and State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski. Joseph P. Green Jr., who represents Zachary W. Bare, 21, of Exton, filed a private criminal complaint on Nov. 23. That prompted a state police investigation, which it was predicted would take two to three weeks, as well as one by the state Attorney General's Office, which has declined to comment on the case. State police spokesman Jack J. Lewis could not be reached for comment Wednesday regarding the new filing.

Cruz, who is represented by lawyer Robert J. Donatoni, is alleged to have stomped on Bare's head as he lay face down on a tile floor in handcuffs, breaking his nose and knocking out teeth. According to police reports, Bare was apprehended but not charged in connection with an August drug raid. The federal suit says Cruz was "free to abuse citizens" like Bare because he knew he would be protected. Pawlowski is accused of "tacit acquiescence" to assaultive behavior by troopers. Donatoni said he had no comment because he had no knowledge of the suit. - Kathleen Brady Shea