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A Black man is suing Des Moines police after officers handcuffed him while he was trying to help a homeless man avoid arrest.

According to Atlanta Black Star , Eddy Kirby , 45, filed a federal lawsuit accusing two Des Moines officers of violating his civil rights when he was detained in August 2023.

The incident unfolded after Kirby saw officers Michael Hoopes and Bryan Loftus threatening to arrest a man accused of shoplifting. Kirby, who recognized the man from his neighborhood, offered to pay for the items. Instead of accepting the offer, officers handcuffed Kirby and threatened to arrest him for interfering.

According to the federal lawsuit, the officers “violated Kirby’s clearly established constitutional rights by seizing [him] without

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