Student, 12, Sues Wisconsin School District After Police Officer Allegedly Kneeled On Her Neck

A 12-year-old middle school student from Wisconsin along with her father sued the Kenosha Unified School District, Kenosha police, and the city Monday. The lawsuit stems from an on-campus incident where an off-duty police officer allegedly kneeled on her neck for 20 seconds while trying to break up a fight.

The incident happened in March 2022 at Lincoln Middle School, which serves 543 students from 6th to 8th grade. A police officer identified as Shawn Guetschow, who was working part-time as a security officer for the school district, kneeled on the girl's neck. The lawsuit identifies the girl as Jane Doe due to her age. Her father Jerrel Perez is also named as a plaintiff, MilwaukeeJournalSentinel reported.

The victim's family had decided to file the lawsuit in May. Their decision stemmed from a disorderly conduct charge being refered to juvenile court against her by the Kenosha County District Attorney's Office.

The lawsuit alleges, "As a direct and proximate result of the unlawful use of force by Guetschow, Jane Doe suffered physical injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, cervical strain, and recurrent headaches, which has required Jane Doe to undergo medical treatment for her injuries," ABC News reported.

The complaint further reads, "As a direct and proximate result of the unlawful use of force by Guetschow, Jane Doe suffered emotional distress, mental trauma, and anxiety, including severe emotional distress, which has required Jane Doe to undergo mental health treatment and counseling and to change schools."

The said incident was caught on video by another student where the girl appears to push the officer before he pins her to the ground and appears to kneel on her neck. The video did not capture the before or after circumstances of the said interaction.

The attorney representing the school district in this case told ABC News the district is prepared to "vigorously defend itself and Officer Shawn Guetschow in the civil litigation filed today by Mr. Jerrel Perez." Attorney Sam Hall further shed light on the injuries sustained by Geutschow while breaking up the fight.

"As Officer Guetschow was attempting to break up the fight, he was pushed to the ground, his head violently striking a table as he fell to the floor. Officer Guetschow suffered a concussion, significant swelling and a contusion of the head during this incident," Hall said.

The school district was informed last week that the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office doesn't plan to press charges against Guetschow in regard to the incident. The officer resigned from his position with the school district last year citing "mental and emotional strain" from all the attention that the case drew. The police department retained him, and as of May 2022, he was assigned to desk duty while the investigation continued. The PD refused to provide a comment to ABC News when asked if Guetschow still worked for the force.