MARYVILLE, Mo. — A Nodaway County man continues to pursue federal action against the Maryville Department of Public Safety over allegations of mistreatment during a traffic stop three years ago.

Richard Mark Ulmer, of Ravenwood, Mo., filed the lawsuit in April in the U.S. District Court’s Western District. He is representing himself in the matter after being declined for representation by four attorneys.

In the complaint, Mr. Ulmer alleges Officer Martin P. Wood conducted an unlawful and unconstitutional traffic stop without probable cause on Aug. 6, 2005, and wrongfully arrested him. He also alleged that Officer Wayne L. Wilson used excessive force that resulted in physical injury.

David S. Baker, an Overland Park, Kan., attorney representing the Maryville police, declined to comment to the News-Press about the lawsuit. Mr. Wood also declined to address the matter because it involves pending litigation.

Mr. Baker did file an answer with the court denying Mr. Ulmer’s allegations — saying that the officers acted appropriately for the circumstances. He added that the lawsuit wasn’t filed in a timely manner.

Mr. Ulmer said he seeks $158,000 in actual damages for lost income due to the incident and $342,000 in punitive damages for severe physical injury, mental stress and anxiety he suffered.

“I would hope that the court will be willing to hear and oversee the issues brought forth in this civil complaint and that justice will be served in this matter,” he said.

In an Aug. 1 amended complaint, he alleged that Mr. Wood followed his vehicle to and from a convenience store when the traffic stop occurred. He said his constitutional rights were violated.

Mr. Ulmer further stated that Mr. Wood lied about results of a field sobriety test compiled in a report to justify a driving-while-intoxicated arrest. Handcuffs placed on him during the arrest began to hurt his arms in a booking room, he added.

Mr. Wilson later entered the booking room and allegedly assaulted him, according to Mr. Ulmer.

He said Mr. Wood later entered the holding cell, dragged him off a bed, across the floor and back into the booking area.

All of the defendants seek a jury trial in the case, court records said.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.