A federal lawsuit claims the September 2023 arrest of former Pharr Police Chief and City Manager Andy Harvey violated his civil rights.

Harvey filed the lawsuit Wednesday that claims the city, police department and the two officers who arrested him engaged in “systematic harassment, false arrest, abuse of power, aggravated perjury and corruption.”

Harvey was arrested on Sept. 23, 2023 on charges of resisting arrest and abuse of 911 service.

The criminal complaint against Harvey accuses him of striking the two officers who arrested him. 

The officers — identified in the lawsuit as Jose Montiel and Anthony Garcia — subjected Harvey to an illegal seizure and police brutality by placing him in an “unauthorized chokehold,” the lawsuit stated.

“This illegal chokehold… left the plaintiff fearing for his life and his liberties,” according to the lawsuit.

The 21-page lawsuit shows Harvey is seeking up to $10 million in damages from the officers, and the city of Pharr and the Pharr Police Department.

A hearing has been set for June 4.