Written by: Sam Orlando
Portsmouth, VA — Local business owner and resident, Donald Parker, has filed a lawsuit against the Portsmouth City Police Department in Virginia, seeking $75 million in damages. The suit, which alleges racial discrimination, emotional and mental damages, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, was officially filed on September 20th, 2023.
Parker, who describes himself as a business owner, homeowner, father, and husband, claims that his multiple attempts to file charges against a neighbor, a white man, were met with inaction. The alleged attacks against him and his wife, Marcie Parker, are believed by the couple to be racially motivated due to their African American heritage.
The lawsuit details specific incidents on dates such as August 8, 2021, January 13, 2023, April 15, 2022, and January 8, 2023, where Parker alleges to have faced discrimination and negligence from the police department. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to address his grievances through conventional means, Parker resorted to filing the federal lawsuit.
The plaintiff's frustration is evident in the document: "I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE," Parker writes. He further emphasizes the perceived racial prejudice, stating, "It shouldn't take this long for charges against a White man by a Black man."
The lawsuit brings to light larger issues surrounding race relations and police conduct in the Portsmouth community and potentially sets the stage for a high-profile case in the federal court system. Parker's assertion that the police department is influenced by racial bias underscores a concerning sentiment shared by many in minority communities throughout the nation.
As of now, the Portsmouth City Police Department has not released a public statement regarding the allegations. Breaking Through News will update this story when the City responds to the lawsuit.