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Jordan Miles Takes Stand In Civil Suit Trial

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –  Jordan Miles took the stand Thursday in his federal lawsuit against the three Pittsburgh police officers.

During his hours of testimony, the 20-year-old Miles recounted his version of what happened on the night of Jan. 13, 2010.

He testified that he was walking to his grandmother's home when three men jumped out of a car. He said they did not identify themselves as police officers and asked him, "Where's your gun, money and drugs?"

Miles went on to say: "They didn't identify themselves as police. I thought I was being robbed."

Miles said he ran and slipped on some ice. Then, he testified: "One man got on my back and began striking me in the head. Somebody was sitting on me. I was terrified."

At that point in the testimony, Miles' 18-year-old sister ran out of the courtroom in tears.

"It was hard to listen to. I just had to leave," said Kielan Miles, Jordan's sister "Up there, the judge said they were going to take a recess, I had to get out of there. I started crying."

He also talked about being taken away in a paddy wagon, then to the emergency room and eventually spending the night in the Allegheny County Jail.

Miles said he continues to get therapy for post-traumatic stress and remains in pain today.

The three attorneys representing the police officers took turns trying to put holes in Miles' story late in the day.

For example, Miles testified he wasn't carrying a bottle of Mountain Dew that was mistaken for a gun, but he may have told others he did have the bottle.

There's also a dispute over whether Miles sustained his injuries on the ground or in some bushes.

Miles' former principal at CAPA took the stand in the morning, saying he was an honors student, never in trouble, was considered a kind and courteous student and was well-respected by other students and teachers.

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