Lawsuit against two Altoona police officers accused of excessive force can proceed

Altoona, PA (WJAC) — In Blair County, a judge has given the okay for a federal civil lawsuit against two Altoona police officers to move forward.

The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of Ryan Noel, claimed that he was assaulted in his cell and that the officers used “excessive force” during his arrest and arraignment on November 15th, 2020.

Magistrate Judge Keith Pesto filed a report last year and recommended that the lawsuit be dismissed.

However, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines rejected the recommendation and ruled that the suit against officers Timothy Campolong and Stephen Miksich should proceed.

She says that videos of the alleged assault were reviewed and that “many questions were left unanswered” about the incident.

Court records show that Noel has since pleaded guilty to charges related to the alleged altercation.

He was later sentenced to serve 3 years and 6 months to 10 years in prison.

Noel is seeking $500,000 in damages.

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