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Iowa man sues Minnesota police, alleges internal bleeding

WORTHINGTON (AP) — An Iowa man who was arrested by Minnesota police in January has sued the city and its department, alleging his encounter with an officer and civilian who was riding along left him with four broken ribs and internal bleeding.

Kelvin Rodriguez, 33, of Sheldon, Iowa, filed his excessive force lawsuit Monday against the city of Worthington. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota says after Rodriguez was injured, he begged for medical attention.

The lawsuit says the delay in medical treatment was “potentially deadly.”

Rodriguez was eventually rushed to a hospital by helicopter, required multiple surgeries and was in intensive care for five days. He suffered internal bleeding from laceration to his pancreas and liver, and his medical procedures cost nearly $150,000.

“As a human being, I ask that the police be held accountable for not adequately doing their job and respecting me as a human being,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “My wife and children saw me going in and out of life and death.”

The city’s attorney told the Star Tribune they received the lawsuit Tuesday and had no immediate comment.

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