Suits allege misconduct by cops on election night

At least three lawsuits have been filed against Chicago Police for allegedly using excessive force on people celebrating Barack Obama's victory.

Meanwhile, the Independent Police Review Authority is investigating "multiple'' complaints about alleged police misconduct on election night, according to Ilana Rosenzweig, who heads up the office.

Rosenzweig said the office has interviewed several complainants and witnesses already, but information is still being gathered. She would not comment on how many total complaints have been filed.

"We have been actively investigating since complaints were first received,'' Rosenzweig said. "We are actively seeking additional information from the public.''

The latest lawsuit, filed Friday, accuses officers of attacking and using pepper spray and a Taser on 22 residents of a West Side neighborhood who were on the street and in their backyards celebrating on election night.

They "were engaged in a peaceful recognition and celebration of the new president-elect, Barack Obama,'' the suit reads.

Last week, two lawsuits with similar allegations were filed against the city.

In one lawsuit, four people alleged they were hit with pepper spray as they rode in a car with open windows in the 5700 block of West Division. Officers also used racial slurs, according to the lawsuit filed by attorney Gregory Kulis.

A second lawsuit filed by Kulis claims officers sprayed people and used racial slurs at a West Side home.