'Occupy Tulsa' Plans To Sue City Over Arrests

Occupy Tulsa protesters announced Tuesday it plans to sue the city of Tulsa. Occupiers are claiming Tulsa Police used excessive force when they arrested several protestors on November 2, 2011.

Organizers say they are taking the first steps to filing a civil lawsuit because demonstrators were injured when police officers used pepper spray during arrests.

Occupy Tulsa calls the corner of 6th and Boston Solidarity Square. Together they fight against economic inequality and now -- alleged violation of their constitutional rights.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 marked the 15th night Occupy Tulsa has been at the square.

"They don't feel like the use of the chemicals in their eyes was an appropriate level of force," said Brian Horton, Occupy Tulsa.

Video shows Tulsa Police using pepper spray on several protestors the morning of November 2nd. Police Chief Chuck Jordan defended his decision to arrest the protestors and said the spray was the least dangerous use of force.

11/02/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Police Chief Defends Occupy Tulsa Arrests

"I wanted to end this in a completely peaceful, non-arrest way that we possibly could and sometimes the other side won't let that happen," said Chief Jordan said.

But organizers say those protestors were non-violent, non-confrontational and police were on the offensive.

"They were not cooperative, but they certainly weren't a threat and generally speaking, the pepper spray is a defense mechanism," Horton said.

Eight of the ten people arrested are now filing a civil claim against the city for excessive use of force and confiscated personal belongings that haven't been returned -- like sleeping bags, a tent and a driver's license.

• Amanda Hammack -- Tulsa

11/2/2011 Occupy Tulsa Arrests

• Lawrence Black -- Austin, Texas
• Shane Algiere -- Tulsa
• Masar Alabdul-Baqi -- Tulsa
• Jeffrey Key -- Tulsa
• Samval Molik -- Tulsa
• Elias Sliva -- Tulsa
• John Vanzant -- Mounds, Oklahoma

They're asking for monetary compensation -- but haven't specified how much. Protestors say they just want to send a message to the city.

"They're accountable to the law, just like we are. Just because they have a badge or just because they work for the city doesn't mean they can break the law," Horton said.

Occupy Tulsa has not filed the lawsuit yet. They plan to have that done before a news conference scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m.

Mayor Bartlett is out of town on city business. His office says he cannot comment on pending litigation.