A San Diego police officer who responded last year to an assault against a man on crutches is being accused of tackling the alleged victim and knocking out some of his teeth, according to a complaint filed with the city.

According to California News Times, Stephen Keith, 32, a Black U.S. Navy veteran who was using crutches at the time, filed a request with the City of San Diego on October 11 detailing the police’s use of force. He is reportedly seeking more than $25,000 in damages from the injuries, distress, pain, legal costs, and lost wages. He is also seeking unspecified punitive compensation, the report notes.

Lieutenant Adam Shalki, a spokesman for the San Diego Police Department, declined to comment about the complaint due to the unresolved nature of the case.

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The alleged incident started when a stranger approached Keith on his property in Grantville to ask for a cigarette. When he refused, Keith says the man violently attacked him.

He called police and four officers responded to the call, according to the claim.

“When the San Diego Police Department officers arrived on scene, they immediately tackled Mr. Keith to the ground and began brutalizing Mr. Keith,” the claim states. “Prior to taking Mr. Keith to the ground, the officers did not direct any order towards Mr. Keith and Mr. Keith did not do anything to cause a reasonable peace officer to believe that any force used on Mr. Keith would be justified.”

Keith reportedly did not struggle with the officers during the arrest, however he claims they continued to use force against him with one officer striking him in the back with his knee seven times.

Once in custody, Keith was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Upon release, he was taken to jail and later posted bail.