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Family of 12-year-old in spit hood incident file claim against Sacramento

A video showing Sacramento police placing a spit hood on a young boy went viral in May. It has now prompted legal action from a nationally renowned attorney.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Attorney Ben Crump filed a claim against the City of Sacramento for an incident where a spit hood was placed over a young black boy's head.

RELATED: Sacramento police reviewing 12-year-old's arrest after video of officers putting spit hood over his head goes viral

“We hope this sends a clear message that police can no longer degrade and disrespect black and brown children through this barbaric practice. These officers were sworn to serve and protect our children, but instead they ignored Isaiah’s pleas for his mother and his inability to breathe. We will continue to seek justice for Isaiah and his family, and for all black and brown people who are harmed, emotionally or physically, at the hands of police,” said attorney's Crump, Mark Harris, and Dale Galipo in a statement.

In May, a video went viral after it showed Sacramento police placing a a spit hood on a boy, identified as 12-year-old Isaiah Brown, while he was detained. A family attorney claimed the boy was chased out of a carnival by a security officer before he was detained and the hood was applied.

Police used the hood after the boy spit in the face an officer multiple times, according to Sacramento police.

The boy was ultimately released to his mother after being cited for battery on an officer and resisting police.

The spit hood has been described as a mask that has an elastic neck allowing for fast and easy removal. Police said people can see and breathe through it and that it is meant to protect officers from bodily fluids.

RELATED: Sacramento police release body cam footage of 12-year-old detained with 'spit hood' over his head

The claimants include Isaiah Brown, Latoya Downs, and Samoan Jones.

The claim alleges false arrest, battery, negligence, negligent training and supervision, failure to intervene, and violation of the Bane Act. It also alleges that the city and police caused emotional distress toward Downs and Jones. 

View the full claim below:

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WATCH MORE: Sacramento police release body cam footage of 12-year-old being detained with 'spit hood' on

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