Ex-Chicago Aviation Cop Sues United, City Over Passenger Dragging

CHICAGO, IL — A fired Chicago aviation security officer who was one of the individuals responsible for violently dragging a United Airlines passenger from an O'Hare International Airport flight last year is suing the air carrier and the city. In his complaint, James Long claims he was not properly trained to deal with situations such as the one he encountered in April 2017 involving the forcible removal of Dr. David Dao from a Kentucky-bound plane.

Dao was one of four people randomly chosen to be bumped April 9, 2017, from a Chicago-to-Louisville flight so that airline employees could fly. He was dragged down the plane's aisle by Chicago Aviation Police when he refused to give up his seat, telling the officers that he needed get home because he had patients to see the next day.

Dao was bloodied in the altercation, which was recorded by other passengers and posted on social media. He suffered a "significant concussion" and a broken nose, as well as losing two teeth, according to his lawyer. Dao and United Airlines eventually agreed to a confidential settlement.

According to his lawsuit, Long claims that he was an employee in "good standing" with the Chicago Aviation Police from January 2015 until April 10, 2017, the day after the much-publicized incident. Long claims that United was negligent when it required him and the other officers to remove Dao from the flight, despite the fact that he and his colleagues were not properly trained to handle such situations, the complaint states.

Long claims he was suspended from the aviation force for simply doing his duty, according to the lawsuit. This eventually led to his firing in August 2017 , the complaint states.

Patch's United Flight 3411 Coverage:

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United Passenger-Dragging: 2 Chicago Aviation Cops Fired Over Incident: Two other officers were suspended following the inspector general's investigation of April's violent confrontation at O'Hare Airport.

United's Image Takes Online Beating In Memes, Comments: Social media reaction to video footage of a passenger being dragged from a full flight Sunday night has been swift and merciless.

Along with being let go by the aviation police, Long's lawsuit accuses Ginger Evans, Chicago's aviation commissioner, of making damaging and defamatory statements about him on Twitter that claimed his actions on April 9, 2017, were "completely inappropriate." He claims in the complaint that "in light of her position as Commissioner, [Evans'] conduct was outrageous and intentionally harmful."

Long is asking for damages that resulted in his firing, including back pay, paid vacation and other benefits.

Representatives for the City of Chicago and United Airlines told ABC 7 News that they would not comment on the lawsuit because they had not reviewed the filing.

Screen shot via Audra D. Bridges | Facebook