A Westport man claims police used excessive force when they arrested him and has hired a lawyer to fight back.

Timothy Justin Elgin says he's had run-ins with Westport police before for his political stances. Elgin is a congressional candidate from Westport who is running against Rep. Jim Himes.

He claims he was unfairly treated by Westport police when they arrested him at his home on Robert Lane last month.

Elgin has hired Bridgeport attorney Dennis Bradley to represent him.

"What happened to him was a tragic incident," said Bradley. "It should not have occurred in the fashion in which it had occurred."

A neighbor called police Dec. 21 and said Elgin was intoxicated and banging on a door. Bradley says Elgin was trying to get his grandmother's attention because he didn't have his keys.

Westport police told News 12 they analyzed how they responded and do not believe they used excessive force.

Elgin was planning to file an excessive force complaint against Westport police, but police say he hasn't yet. Elgin is due in court next month.