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Connecticut Police Officers Being Sued Following Traffic Stop Of Man Taking His Kids For Ice Cream

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Civil liberties advocates are suing two Connecticut police officers, saying they violated the rights of a black man who was taking his two sons to get ice cream after a youth baseball game.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut says the Bridgeport police officers stopped Woodrow Vereen for driving through a yellow light. It says they ordered him out of the car, frisked him and searched his car without evidence of wrongdoing while the frightened boys were in the back seat.

The ACLU announced Tuesday that it is suing the officers, Keith Ruffin and Carlos Vasquez. The lawsuit seeks undisclosed damages for the May 2015 traffic stop.

The two officers and the police chief didn't immediately return messages seeking comment. A city spokesman says officials are reviewing the lawsuit and had no immediate comment.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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