A man who led Louisville and Indiana police on a 45-minute chase last year is suing both departments in federal court alleging that a "feeding frenzy" of officers unnecessarily beat him and endangered the public.

Robert G. Ellis II claims it was "unnecessary and malicious" when 20 police cars chased him across state lines after he stole a purse, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court.

Ellis is suing the Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville Metro Government, police Chief Steve Conrad, as well as nine officers with Indiana State Police, claiming police ignored procedures for non-violent crimes.

A lawsuit only represents one side of the case.

Background:Driver of red truck taken into custody in Indiana after nearly hour-long police chase

On June 29, 2017, Ellis stole a purse at a gas station in Louisville, according to the lawsuit. Police chased Ellis' truck from southwest Louisville north Interstate 65, eventually crossing the bridge into Indiana.

Once police stopped him in Sellersburg, Ellis was pulled out of the driver's side door and "almost immediately disappeared beneath a mob of between 12 and 15 LMPD and ISP pursuers who were punching and kicking (Ellis) while he was curled in a fetal position on his left side, helpless, on the ground."

Ellis was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a concussion, sprains and bruises, mostly on his neck and the right side of his body, the lawsuit says.

LMPD policy states that officers who are pursuing a suspect "must have a reason to believe that the violator being pursued has committed, or is wanted on a warrant for committing a violent felony."

Louisville police Chief Steve Conrad was issued a federal summons on Wednesday, according to court documents. The lawsuit says Conrad "ignored" his department's own pursuit policy.

LMPD spokesman Lamont Washington said the department does not comment on pending litigation. Washington said a professional standards investigation is underway.

Ellis is seeking a jury trial and an unspecified amount of damages.

"There is no excuse for (Ellis') criminal conduct or his flight," the lawsuit says. "However, the LMPD and ISP Pursuers, by their misconduct, created a graver risk to the public that Plaintiff ever did."

Thomas Novelly: tnovelly@courierjournal.com, 502-582-4465. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/tomn.

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