Man says Markham police broke his jaw after traffic stop

A man says after being pulled over in Markham and not having his driver's license on him, he was told to go to the Markham police station where several officers beat him, breaking his jaw and leg.

Rafael Sanders says that on August 18, 2008, after dropping his son and a friend off on S. Honore in the city of Markham, he was pulled over by defendant Officer P. Sheehan and asked to produce his driver's license and proof of insurance.  According to the complaint, the following then occurred:

- When Sanders asked why he was being pulled over, Sheehan responded "Because I can."
- Sanders produced his insurance card and state identification card but realized he left his driver's license at home.
- Sheehan stated "You better have $100.00 to post bond" to which Sanders asked for what and Sheehan responded "For these tickets I'm about to give you. Follow me to the police station."
- Sanders parked in front of the Markham police station and Sheehan drove to the rear of the station.  Sanders exited his vehicle and walked to the rear and found Sheehan engaged in a casual conversation with defendant Officer Newman.  Sanders requested the tickets and his identification and insurance card.  Sheehan responded "You'll get your tickets when I'm ready."  Sanders said he would speak to a supervisor and began to walk toward the front of the police station but was grabbed by Newman and shoved against the wall.  Sheehan then sprayed pepper spray in his eyes.
- Sheehan then drove his right knee into Sanders' face, breaking Sanders' jaw and dislodging numerous teeth.
- Newman stuck Sanders on the left side with a police baton.
- Sheehan choked Sanders and pulled his hair so hard that several patches came out.
- Defendant officer D. Walker and Unknown Officers 1 through 4 then approached and "tazed" Sanders.
- Sanders posted bond and was picked up by his mother who then drove him to the orthodontist who ordered him to go to the emergency room.
- At the University of Chicago emergency room, it was revealed that Sanders' jaw was broken and his right fibula was broken.
- The next day, after seeing an orthodontist, it was revealed that Sanders' teeth were out of their sockets but hovering above his gum line being held by his braces.
- Sanders was then charged with Resisting a Peace Officer and two counts of Battery and two traffic citations - Improper Parking on Roadway and No Drivers License on Person.

Keep reading after the jump, including a copy of the complaint.

Follow me on Twitter @jenfernicola.