Suit accuses officer of hitting groom in 2011

DES MOINES (AP) ? A Des Moines police officer charged with domestic abuse is facing a lawsuit alleging he repeatedly punched a suspect who was on the ground.

The Des Moines Register reports that John Twombly alleges he was assaulted by officer Cody Grimes at Twombly?s 2011 wedding reception.

A spokesman says Des Moines police investigated but found no wrongdoing by Grimes.

Grimes is charged with domestic abuse causing injury after an altercation with his ex-girlfriend.

Twombly?s lawsuit alleges, Twombly was involved in an altercation with a groomsman at the reception. An off-duty officer who was providing security called Grimes for backup.

The lawsuit claims Grimes threw Twombly against a wall and took him to the floor, held his head and punched him.

Grimes admits he struck Twombly but says it was self-defense.