Howell cops broke man’s neck, choked him to death, lawsuit claims

The sisters of a Belmar man claim police and security personnel used "excessive and unreasonable physical force" when trying to subdue him at a concert in September — ultimately killing him.

According to the Asbury Park Press, a lawsuit claims Timothy J. Harden, 38, suffered a "medical episode" at the Souper Groove concert in September after ingesting cocaine and alcohol. Security hired for the event tried to subdue him using excessive force — and then responding township police used deadly force, choking Harden to death, the lawsuit reportedly claims. It also says Harden suffered fractured cartilage in the neck, contusions and abrasions.

Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick told the newspaper that "based upon my initial review of the incident, including my presence at the scene that day, I am confident my officers acted properly and professionally and in accordance with all policies and procedures relating to the use of force and dealing with subjects displaying unusual and violent behavior."

The family told the newspaper that Howell Police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office would not provide a police report they requested.