Juneau man files suit against CBJ and former police officer for violent arrest

Published 6:12 am Thursday, November 20, 2025

Christopher Williams Jr. has filed a civil lawsuit against former Juneau police officer Brandon LeBlanc and the City and Borough of Juneau, alleging excessive force during a July arrest that left him unconscious.

A bystander video of the incident, posted online shortly after the arrest, drew widespread attention and public outcry.

Last month, the state Office of Special Prosecutions announced it would not pursue criminal charges against LeBlanc.

But Jeffrey Barber, Williams’ attorney, said that decision does not absolve the former officer of civil liability.

The lawsuit alleges that LeBlanc’s arrest was an unlawful use of “excessive force,” and that LeBlanc failed to render aid to Williams.

Juneau Police Department placed LeBlanc on administrative leave two days after the arrest. He resigned later that month, the day before CBJ released police dash and body-worn camera footage of the incident.

“The video was atrocious to watch what happened and to see how the officer behaved. So there should be more attention brought to that kind of behavior by the police,” Barber said.

The arrest occurred July 30 outside the Douglas Library. LeBlanc had responded to assist the arrest of a woman after she allegedly threw water on a man and used racial slurs. As officers detained the woman on a disorderly conduct charge, she told Williams, “Take care of him,” referring to the man she had accosted.

The lawsuit describes LeBlanc instructing Williams to leave. Williams turns back toward LeBlanc, which JPD later described as taking an “aggressive stance.” LeBlanc then attempts to arrest Williams. LeBlanc said, “You’re about to get slammed!” Williams protested, saying, “I was walking.” LeBlanc then threw Williams to the ground, where he was knocked unconscious. While Williams lay on the pavement, LeBlanc said, “Walking now, huh?” the lawsuit cites.

JPD Chief of Police Derek Bos later said the incident “was not consistent with “department policy, values or the conduct we expect from our officers,” in a department statement released along with footage of the incident.

The lawsuit cites that LeBlanc described the take down as a “suplex type” move. The suplex is a banned wresting maneuver in competitions, the lawsuit states, as it carries a high risk of head and neck injury.

“Not only did he use some kind of an illegal wrestling maneuver to put Mr. Williams down or throw him under the concrete, the statements he made beforehand and afterwards to Mr. Williams were repugnant.”

In a Sept. 29 statement, Bos said that some maneuvers that officers learn at the Basic Training Academy do not align with JPD policies.

Barber said that Williams is still physically recovering, nearly four months later. He recently underwent surgery on his clavicle for injury sustained during the arrest, Barber said.

The lawsuit also claims the city is liable for Williams’ actions, and that it breached its duty of care by failing to reasonably hire and train LeBlanc.

LeBlanc was previously sued for excessive force and battery in 2013 while serving as a police officer in Louisiana. The judge in that case ruled in Leblanc’s favour, dismissing the lawsuit.

Bos’ September statement maintained that the department “adheres to the highest hiring standards,” as part of a self-assessment list of improvements that the department has made to their policies in light of the incident.

Municipal attorney Emily Wright on Tuesday said she was aware that the lawsuit was filed, but was not able to comment as they had not been served the lawsuit.