SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An American Indian artist has filed a lawsuit against the city of Santa Fe in connection with what he says was a dog pooping accident mistaken for a burglary.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://goo.gl/dMHu2X) court documents filed in early October say Santa Fe police used "excessive force" against Mateo Romero during the July 2014 encounter.

Romero says police pointed guns at him after he pulled into a stranger's driveway to clean up the inside of his SUV because his dog, Han Solo, had an accident. Authorities say police received a call about a burglary in progress.

Police said they searched Romero and released him after officers did not find any stolen property.

He is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

City Attorney Kelley Brennan says the city doesn't comment on pending litigation.