Case 3:20-cv-30010 Document 1 Filed 01/24/20 Page 1 of 7

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
__________________________________________
MARK MARAUSZWKSI )
Plaintiff, ) Docket no. 3:20-cv-30010
)
v. )
) COMPLAINT AND JURY
) DEMAND
OFFICER MARTIN STREIT )
Defendant )
)
)

INTRODUCTION

1. This is civil rights action, brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, brought by

Mark Marauszwski. On January 25th, 2017, following a brief, low-speed car

chase, the defendant officer shot Mr. Marauszwski three times, twice as Mr.

Marauszwski was coming to a stop, and a final time after Mr. Marauszwski’s car

had struck a concrete bollard and had come to a stop. Marauszwski was

subsequently arraigned on a variety of criminal charges, ranging from negligent

operation to assault and battery on a police officer with a dangerous weapon, in

connection with the car chase. Following a jury trial, Marauszwski was convicted

on the automotive offenses, but exonerated on all counts alleging assaultive or

aggressive behavior toward police officers. Marauszwski sustained gunshot

wounds to the hand, arm and chest, with the final round passing through his

chest from left to right, nearly striking his heart. He was hospitalized for more

than a week after the shooting, and still suffers both physical and mental

trauma as a result.

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2. Plaintiff alleges that the Defendant police officer used excessive force against

Mr. Marauszwski in violation of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the

United States Constitution and seeks damages for the violation of his

constitutional rights.

JURISDICTION

3. This action is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C §1983 and §1988 and the Fourth

and Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Jurisdiction is

based upon 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1343, and on the pendent jurisdiction of this

court to entertain related claims arising under state law.

PARTIES

4. Plaintiff Mark Marauszwski is a resident of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

5. Defendant Officer Martin Streit is a police officer for the Pittsfield Police

Department and is sued in his individual capacity for actions taken under the

color of law.

FACTS

6. On January 25th, 2017, at about 9 a.m., Pittsfield Police conducted a traffic stop

of the Plaintiff, Mark Marauszwski.

7. The stop occurred on Bartlett Avenue in downtown Pittsfield, near the Pittsfield

District Courthouse.

8. The Plaintiff, who was driving a green SUV, was stopped for driving on a

suspended license, an expired inspection sticker, and for having mounted a

hand-written license plate on his car.

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9. Marauszwski initially complied with the stop, pulling over and speaking with

Officer David Hallas, attempting to show him a paper copy of his license and

registration, and explaining that the hand-written plates were temporary

replacements, due to his state issued plates having been taken.

10. Officer Hallas told Mr. Marauszwski that his car was not legal to drive, and that

it would be towed.

11. Marauszwski was standing by his car during the interchange, and Officer Hallas

was standing approximately a car length from Marauszwski.

12. During this interaction, another Pittsfield Officer, Bryan Betters, arrived on the

scene.

13. Upon exiting the car, Officer Betters immediately reached toward his belt.

14. Marauszwski observed this, and believed Betters was reaching for his gun.

15. Marauszwski, frightened by this gesture, turned, got back into his car, and drove

away from the stop.

16. Officer Betters and Hallis reported Marauszwski’s flight and began to pursue

him.

17. Marauszwski drove approximately one mile through Pittsfield.

18. Marauszwski kept his speed in the range of 30 to 35 miles per hour.

19. A number of other Pittsfield officers joined the pursuit.

20. After approximately five to ten minutes, Marauszwski pulled his car into

Springside Park.

21. Marauszwski drove his car around the perimeter of the park’s baseball diamond.

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22. Marauszwski was driving on snow-covered rough ground and was not driving at

a high speed.

23. After circling the baseball diamond, Marauszwski began to drive in the direction

of a pedestrian underpass.

24. By this point, Marauszwski had decided to end the pursuit and had begun to

slow down.

25. Several police officers, including the Defendant, were in the park and had exited

their cars in anticipation of a foot chase.

26. As Marauszwski drove toward the pedestrian underpass, the Defendant fired

twice at Marauszwski, through the front windscreen of the car.

27. When interviewed by State Police, following the shooting, Streit said he heard a

loud thump and saw one of his fellow officers, Darren Derby, falling to the

ground as Marauszwski drove past, which he interpreted as Marauszwski

having struck Officer Derby.

28. Streit also told investigators that Marauszwski accelerated directly at him.

29. At the subsequent criminal trial, Officer Derby testified that he was not struck

by Marauszwski and denied falling.

30. Other witnesses described Streit as being outside the direction of Marauszwski’s

direction of travel, off to the side of the car.

31. At least one of Streit’s rounds struck Marauszwski.

32. As a result of being shot, Marauszwski took his foot off the accelerator and the

car drifted to a halt, striking a concrete bollard and coming to a complete stop.

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33. Officer Streit approached the car, and Marauszwski exclaimed “I can’t believe

you shot me!”.

34. Officer Streit then fired a third shot, through the vehicle’s side window.

35. This round struck Marauszwski, passing through his chest and exiting his

armpit.

36. Marauszwski was then removed from his car by three officers.

37. Another Pittsfield Officer, observing Marauszwski’s injuries, treated him for

emergency first aid.

38. Marauszwski was subsequently hospitalized for his injuries and remained in the

hospital for approximately one-and-a-half weeks.

39. During that period, Marauszwski suffered a stroke.

40. As a result of the January 25th incident, Marauszwski was charged with driving

with a suspended license, subsequent offense, failing to stop for police, reckless

operation of a motor vehicle, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three

counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of Wanton

Destruction of Property over $250.

41. On February 4th, 2019, after a four-day jury trial, Marauszwski was acquitted

on the counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of

assault with a dangerous weapon – the third count was subsequently nolle

prosequi-ed – and the wanton destruction of property count. He was found guilty

of the driving offenses and sentenced to one year committed in the House of

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Corrections for the reckless operation and six months on the operating with a

suspended license charge, served concurrently.

42. Mr. Marauszwski continues to suffer the consequences, both physically and

emotionally, of being shot to this day.

43. Marauszwski has a regular visiting nurse for his physical health issues and may

require open-heart surgery to repair damage done by the shooting.

44. He also suffers from emotional distress, depression and anxiety as a result of the

shooting.

45. Defendants proximately caused Marauszwski to experience conscious pain and

suffering, terror, and the anguish of experiencing what he believed to be his last

moments of life in severe physical pain.

COUNT I
VIOLATION OF 42 U.S.C. § 1983
BY DEFENDANT MARTIN STREIT

46. The above paragraphs are incorporated herein.

47. By the actions described in the above paragraphs, Defendants, acting under

color of law, deprived Plaintiff of his right to be free from the use of excessive

force, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and his Fourth and Fourteenth

Amendment rights as guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff requests that this Court award:

1. Compensatory damages against the Defendant;

2. Punitive damages against the Defendant;

3. The costs of this action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees; and,

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4. Such other and further relief, as this Court may deem necessary and

appropriate.

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

A jury trial is hereby demanded.

DATED: 1-24-2020

Respectfully Submitted,
Plaintiff Mark Marauszwski

/s/Jessica D. Hedges
Jessica D. Hedges
BBO No. 645847
James Haynes
BBO No. 676320
Hedges & Tumposky, LLP
50 Congress Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02109
T) (617) 722-8220

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 Case 3:20-cv-30010 Document 1-1 Filed 01/24/20 Page 1 of 1
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

1. Title of case (name of first party on each side only) Mark Marauszwski v. Off. Martin Streit

2. Category in which the case belongs based upon the numbered nature of suit code listed on the civil cover sheet. (See local
rule 40.1(a)(1)).

I. 160, 400, 410, 441, 535, 830*, 835*, 850, 891, 893, R.23, REGARDLESS OF NATURE OF SUIT.

✔ II. 110, 130, 190, 196, 370, 375, 376, 440, 442, 443, 445, 446, 448, 470, 751, 820*, 840*, 895, 896, 899.

120, 140, 150, 151, 152, 153, 195, 210, 220, 230, 240, 245, 290, 310, 315, 320, 330, 340, 345, 350, 355, 360, 362,
III. 365, 367, 368, 371, 380, 385, 422, 423, 430, 450, 460, 462, 463, 465, 480, 490, 510, 530, 540, 550, 555, 560, 625,
690, 710, 720, 740, 790, 791, 861-865, 870, 871, 890, 950.

*Also complete AO 120 or AO 121. for patent, trademark or copyright cases.

3. Title and number, if any, of related cases. (See local rule 40.1(g)). If more than one prior related case has been filed in this
district please indicate the title and number of the first filed case in this court.

n/a

4. Has a prior action between the same parties and based on the same claim ever been filed in this court?

YES 9 NO 9✔
5. Does the complaint in this case question the constitutionality of an act of congress affecting the public interest? (See 28 USC
§2403)

YES 9 NO ✔
9
If so, is the U.S.A. or an officer, agent or employee of the U.S. a party?

YES 9 NO ✔
9
6. Is this case required to be heard and determined by a district court of three judges pursuant to title 28 USC §2284?

YES 9 NO 9
✔
7. Do all of the parties in this action, excluding governmental agencies of the United States and the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (“governmental agencies”), residing in Massachusetts reside in the same division? - (See Local Rule 40.1(d)).

YES ✔
9 NO 9
A. If yes, in which division do all of the non-governmental parties reside?

Eastern Division 9 Central Division 9 Western Division ✔

9
B. If no, in which division do the majority of the plaintiffs or the only parties, excluding governmental agencies,
residing in Massachusetts reside?

Eastern Division 9 Central Division 9 Western Division 9

8. If filing a Notice of Removal - are there any motions pending in the state court requiring the attention of this Court? (If yes,
submit a separate sheet identifying the motions)

YES 9 NO 9
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
ATTORNEY'S NAME Jessica Hedges
ADDRESS Hedges & Tumposky, LLP, 50 Congress St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02109
TELEPHONE NO. (617) 722-8220
(CategoryForm1-2019.wpd )
 Case 3:20-cv-30010 Document 1-2 Filed 01/24/20 Page 1 of 2
JS 44 (Rev. 09/19) CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS

Mark Marauszwski Officer Martin Streit

(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff Berkshire County of Residence of First Listed Defendant Berkshire
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)
Jessica Hedges,
Hedges & Tumposky, LLP
50 Congress St., Boston, MA 02109 - (617) 722-8220

II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
’ 1 U.S. Government ’ 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF DEF
Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State ’ 1 ’ 1 Incorporated or Principal Place ’ 4 ’ 4
of Business In This State

’ 2 U.S. Government ’ 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State ’ 2 ’ 2 Incorporated and Principal Place ’ 5 ’ 5
Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State

Citizen or Subject of a ’ 3 ’ 3 Foreign Nation ’ 6 ’ 6

Foreign Country
IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only) Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.
CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES
’ 110 Insurance PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY ’ 625 Drug Related Seizure ’ 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 ’ 375 False Claims Act
’ 120 Marine ’ 310 Airplane ’ 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 ’ 423 Withdrawal ’ 376 Qui Tam (31 USC
’ 130 Miller Act ’ 315 Airplane Product Product Liability ’ 690 Other 28 USC 157 3729(a))
’ 140 Negotiable Instrument Liability ’ 367 Health Care/ ’ 400 State Reapportionment
’ 150 Recovery of Overpayment ’ 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical PROPERTY RIGHTS ’ 410 Antitrust
& Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury ’ 820 Copyrights ’ 430 Banks and Banking
’ 151 Medicare Act ’ 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liability ’ 830 Patent ’ 450 Commerce
’ 152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability ’ 368 Asbestos Personal ’ 835 Patent - Abbreviated ’ 460 Deportation
Student Loans ’ 340 Marine Injury Product New Drug Application ’ 470 Racketeer Influenced and
(Excludes Veterans) ’ 345 Marine Product Liability ’ 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations
’ 153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY ’ 480 Consumer Credit
of Veteran’s Benefits ’ 350 Motor Vehicle ’ 370 Other Fraud ’ 710 Fair Labor Standards ’ 861 HIA (1395ff) (15 USC 1681 or 1692)
’ 160 Stockholders’ Suits ’ 355 Motor Vehicle ’ 371 Truth in Lending Act ’ 862 Black Lung (923) ’ 485 Telephone Consumer
’ 190 Other Contract Product Liability ’ 380 Other Personal ’ 720 Labor/Management ’ 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) Protection Act
’ 195 Contract Product Liability ’ 360 Other Personal Property Damage Relations ’ 864 SSID Title XVI ’ 490 Cable/Sat TV
’ 196 Franchise Injury ’ 385 Property Damage ’ 740 Railway Labor Act ’ 865 RSI (405(g)) ’ 850 Securities/Commodities/
’ 362 Personal Injury - Product Liability ’ 751 Family and Medical Exchange
Medical Malpractice Leave Act ’ 890 Other Statutory Actions
REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS ’ 790 Other Labor Litigation FEDERAL TAX SUITS ’ 891 Agricultural Acts
’ 210 Land Condemnation ’ 440 Other Civil Rights Habeas Corpus: ’ 791 Employee Retirement ’ 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff ’ 893 Environmental Matters
’ 220 Foreclosure ’ 441 Voting ’ 463 Alien Detainee Income Security Act or Defendant) ’ 895 Freedom of Information
’ 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment ’ 442 Employment ’ 510 Motions to Vacate ’ 871 IRS—Third Party Act
’ 240 Torts to Land ’ 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 ’ 896 Arbitration
’ 245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations ’ 530 General ’ 899 Administrative Procedure
’ 290 All Other Real Property ’ 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 535 Death Penalty IMMIGRATION Act/Review or Appeal of
Employment Other: ’ 462 Naturalization Application Agency Decision
’ 446 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 540 Mandamus & Other ’ 465 Other Immigration ’ 950 Constitutionality of
Other ’ 550 Civil Rights Actions State Statutes
’ 448 Education ’ 555 Prison Condition
’ 560 Civil Detainee -
Conditions of
Confinement
V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
’ 1 Original ’ 2 Removed from ’ 3 Remanded from ’ 4 Reinstated or ’ 5 Transferred from ’ 6 Multidistrict ’ 8 Multidistrict
Proceeding State Court Appellate Court Reopened Another District Litigation - Litigation -
(specify) Transfer Direct File
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
42 USC 1983
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION Brief description of cause:
Police Misconduct - Excessive Force
VII. REQUESTED IN ’ CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION DEMAND $ CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
COMPLAINT: UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P. 1,000,000.00 JURY DEMAND: ’ Yes ’ No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
(See instructions):
IF ANY JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
01/24/2020 /s/ Jessica Hedges
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 09/19) Case 3:20-cv-30010 Document 1-2 Filed 01/24/20 Page 2 of 2
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS 44
Authority For Civil Cover Sheet

The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as
required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is
required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of
Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:

I.(a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use
only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and
then the official, giving both name and title.
(b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the
time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land
condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.)
(c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting
in this section "(see attachment)".

II. Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.Cv.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X"
in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.
United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.
United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box.
Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment
to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes
precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.
Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the
citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity
cases.)

III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark this
section for each principal party.

IV. Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If there are multiple nature of suit codes associated with the case, pick the nature of suit code
that is most applicable. Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.

V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the seven boxes.

Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.
Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C., Section 1441.
Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing
date.
Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
multidistrict litigation transfers.
Multidistrict Litigation – Transfer. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 U.S.C.
Section 1407.
Multidistrict Litigation – Direct File. (8) Check this box when a multidistrict case is filed in the same district as the Master MDL docket.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOT AN ORIGIN CODE 7. Origin Code 7 was used for historical records and is no longer relevant due to
changes in statue.

VI. Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553 Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service

VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.

VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.

Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.