Man Sues Streamwood Cop, Village in Beating Incident

The man seen beaten by a northwest suburban police officer in March in a videotaped traffic stop has filed a federal lawsuit against the officer and the village of Streamwood.

Ronald Bell filed the suit Thursday in U.S District Court against the village of Streamwood, Cpl. James Mandarino, Sgt. Petrick and several unidentified Streamwood police officers in the March 27, 2010 that left Bell with physical injuries and emotional distress.

Nolan Stalbaum, 38, of Glendale Heights-- the passenger seen on video apparently Tasered by Mandarino -- is also listed as a plaintiff in the suit, along with Ronald Bell's brother Stacey Bell and his wife Sheila Bell. The incident occurred outside their home in their driveway, the suit said.

Mandarino, 41, of Streamwood, was indicted with three counts each of aggravated battery and official misconduct on May 10, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin said. He will appear for arraignment on May 27. He surrendered to authorities on April 15 and was ordered held on $50,000 bond.

Mandarino allegedly beat Ronald Bell with his baton during a March traffic stop, leaving the man with a concussion, seven stitches to his ear and multiple contusions, according to a release from the state's attorney's office. Stalbaum, a passenger in the vehicle, was Tasered twice during the encounter.

The videotape, shot by Mandarino’s squad car dash camera, showed no evidence that the motorist or passenger ever resisted arrest or presented any physical threat to the officer, prosecutors said during bond proceedings.

Ronald Bell suffered a concussion, seven stitches to his ear and multiple bruises and scrapes.

The 11-count suit claims excessive force; false arrest; failure to intervene; denial of medical attention; conspiracy; assault; false imprisonment; malicious prosecution, as well as two counts of state law claims and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The suit seeks a jury trial, as well as compensatory damages and attorney fees, along with punitive damages.