A Butler County couple has filed a federal lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State Police troopers who arrested the husband at their home in Brady Township in 2017, alleging that the three officers used excessive force.

According to the couple's federal court complaint, which was filed Tuesday by Butler's Lindsay Law Firm, a National Guard helicopter reported to state Trooper Michael Lewis that a marijuana plant was spotted in Danny and Sheri Pollock's backyard on July 29, 2015.

Upon being questioned, Danny Pollock told Lewis that two marijuana plants were being grown in the backyard to provide pain relief for his wife, who had injuries from a motorcycle accident, according to the suit.

Danny Pollock told the trooper that his wife was allergic to narcotics and other pain killers that had been prescribed to her. Lewis seized the plants and told the Pollocks that they would not likely hear from the police again, according to the complaint.

But the suit alleges that on July 26, 2017, criminal charges were filed stemming from the 2015 incident, and an arrest warrant was issued the following day.

Around 5 p.m. Aug. 21, 2017, three officers showed up at the couple's home to serve an arrest warrant, according to the suit.

The couple alleges in the suit that the officers used excessive force, slamming Danny Pollock against his house, despite he and his wife telling the officers that he had recently suffered a heart attack and been released from the hospital.

The officers allegedly smashed his face into a porch swing, breaking two of his teeth, and causing damage to his right eye, according to the suit. Danny Pollock also alleges that he was held face-down on the ground, where he was kicked, punched, kneed in the groin and elbowed as officers handcuffed him.

State police were not immediately available for comment at the time of online publication.

This is a breaking news article. To read any updates for this article, pick up Thursday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online.