SALISBURY – A memo sent by an internal affairs officer to the city of Salisbury warned officials that former police officer Kareem Puranda was a liability concern, an attorney said during a court hearing Monday.
S. Luke Largess, an attorney representing four people suing the city of Salisbury, three police chiefs and two police officers, said city supervisors got the memo prior to four incidents the lawsuit alleges involved Puranda and Officer Mark Hunter.
Largess said the city also received “a series of citizen complaints” about Puranda and Hunter.
Scott D. MacLatchie, an attorney representing the defendants in the suit – who include Puranda, Hunter, current Chief Rory Collins and former chiefs Rodney Harris and Mark Wilhelm – acknowledged the memo but wasn’t sure of its date.
Robin Otto Worth, Jr., Felicia Gibson, and John and Michael Fox are claiming their rights were violated and some say they were assaulted by the officers.
In a hearing Monday, MacLatchie argued to have the complaint split into separate lawsuits and to have part of the lawsuit dismissed.
Judge F. Lane Williamson took the opposing attorneys’ arguments under consideration. A ruling is expected by Friday.
Read Tuesday’s Salisbury Post for more information.