In a dramatic turn of events, a young student is taking legal action against multiple parties, including a city and a popular local bar, alleging excessive force and civil rights violations. Devin R. Johnson filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on November 18, 2025, targeting the City of Oxford and several other defendants associated with an incident that occurred two years prior.
The lawsuit stems from an altercation that took place on November 18, 2023, at Brick Street Bar in Oxford, Ohio. Johnson claims he was subjected to excessive force by police officers Matthew Blauvelt and Paul Hellwarth during his arrest outside the bar. According to the complaint, Johnson had stepped out for air and was trying to re-enter when he was confronted by bar employees and subsequently restrained on the sidewalk. The situation escalated when Officers Blauvelt and Hellwarth arrived at the scene; Johnson alleges they used unlawful force without identifying themselves as police officers.
Johnson’s complaint accuses the City of Oxford of failing to properly train and supervise its officers, leading to violations of his Fourth Amendment rights. The suit also implicates Weisman Enterprises Holdings Inc., which operates Brick Street Bar, along with its owner Mark P. Weisman. Johnson argues that there was a conspiracy between the bar’s management and local law enforcement to violate patrons’ civil rights through coordinated actions.
In addition to compensatory damages for physical injuries and emotional distress, Johnson seeks punitive damages against all defendants involved. He is also requesting equitable relief to prevent future incidents of this nature.
Representing Devin R. Johnson is attorney Justin Whittaker from Whittaker Law LLC in Cincinnati. The case has been assigned Case No. 1:25-cv-00846-DRC in front of Judge Douglas R. Cole.
Source: 125cv00846_Johnson_v_City_of_Oxford_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
