The city's Citizens Police Complaint Board ruled Thursday that officer Jerry Piland used excessive force when he arrested a 15-year-old boy in May in his Eastside neighborhood.

The 5-2 decision by the advisory panel will go to Police Chief Paul Ciesielski but won't result in disciplinary action. The Civilian Police Merit Board -- a separate board that approves the hiring and firing of police officers -- last month exonerated Piland of excessive force allegations in the May 16 arrest of Brandon Johnson.

Brandon's attorneys say the complaint board's decision does give them greater backing when they seek a settlement from the city.

"We're hoping that the chief views this as an affirmation that his (Brandon's) rights were violated," attorney Steve Wagner said.

Ciesielski has agreed that Brandon was the victim of excessive force, calling the teen's condition after the arrest "one of the worst" he had seen in 24 years with IMPD. Ciesielski and Public Safety Director Frank Straub did not return phone calls after the board meeting.

Piland was one of five officers who came under scrutiny for their actions during Brandon's arrest. Complaint Board member Larna Spearman said he was convinced that Piland went too far.

"I just basically approved the finding of the Police Department, their internal affairs," Spearman said. "They had to weigh the evidence and come up against one of their own officers."

Brandon now 16, suffered a swollen eye, facial bruises and chipped teeth during the arrest, which happened while he protested his brother's arrest on suspicion of burglary. The injuries to the biracial teen, which occurred while being arrested by white police officers, aggravated racial tensions and fractured relations between the police and the community.

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