West Penn Township and its police chief, James Bonner, are facing a civil rights lawsuit alleging excessive force, misconduct, and violations of constitutional rights.

In a complaint filed Sept. 6 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Rachel Rossi accused Bonner in an incident she said left her with severe injuries.

Bonner, according to the complaint, served a warrant at a New Ringgold residence on June 28, 2022. The complaint alleges Bonner aggressively approached Rossi and used excessive force against her, leading to her sustaining injuries, including a compression fracture of her L1 vertebrae and severe bruising.

Represented by Comerford Law, Rossi alleged Bonner had faced numerous excessive force complaints before the incident and West Penn Township officials were aware of his “violent tendencies.”

The lawsuit is divided into several counts, including a “Monell Liability” claim against West Penn, asserting that the township and its policymakers failed to implement effective policies and training, and knowingly allowed Bonner to continue working despite his history.

Other counts include excessive force, assault, and battery.

Rossi’s legal representation has requested a jury trial on all issues presented in the case.

Neither West Penn Township nor Bonner has issued an official response to the lawsuit.