BELLEVILLE — A city police officer faces a federal civil lawsuit after allegedly assaulting a Belleville man a year ago.

Officer Sean M. Harris, 32, and Belleville Police Chief Bill Clay have been named in the lawsuit that stems from an incident involving Harris. The officer was charged on June 14, 2011, with battery and official misconduct stemming from a call responding to Belleville resident Mark A. Bush, who twice called police complaining about harassing phone calls. Harris responded to both calls, the first on June 13, 2011, and the second on June 14, 2011. According to the charges, Harris refused to issue a report the second time because he claimed mutual threats had been made between Bush and the caller.

After Bush's wife threatened to complain about the officer, Harris grabbed and lifted Mark by the throat and threw Mark down, according to the lawsuit filed Wednesday. Mark suffered from multiple seizures after hitting his head on a brick stairway and the sidewalk, the suit states.

Belleville Police Capt. Don Sax said the police department does not comment on pending litigation.

Harris was assigned to desk duty pending the outcome of the case.

Contact reporter Will Buss at wbuss@bnd.com or 239-2526.