A man has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, and two police officers, alleging that he was paralyzed and had to have both legs amputated due to police misconduct. The incident occurred on June 8, 2023, when the man, Heriberto Alejandro Sanchez-Mayen, was detained and arrested for trespassing.
According to the lawsuit, Sanchez-Mayen was restrained in handcuffs with a metal belly chain by Officer Sarah Gaddis and placed in the back of a police van without a seatbelt by Officer Michael Thacker. The lawsuit claims that Thacker drove recklessly and made a sudden stop, causing Sanchez-Mayen to hit his head on a metal partition.
Upon arriving at the Pinellas County jail, Sanchez-Mayen was found unconscious and unresponsive. He suffered spinal cord injuries that left him paralyzed and resulted in the amputation of both his legs above the knee.
The lawsuit argues that Sanchez-Mayen should not have been arrested in the first place, as the trespassing charge was later dismissed. The officers are accused of various offenses, including excessive force, false arrest, and malicious prosecution.
The St. Petersburg Police Department has denied the claims and stated that they trust the judicial process. The incident has drawn comparisons to the controversial practice known as a 'rough ride,' where detainees are placed in the back of a van without a seatbelt and driven erratically.
This case highlights the importance of proper police procedures and the need for accountability in law enforcement actions. The plaintiffs have requested a jury trial to seek justice for the alleged misconduct that led to severe and irreversible consequences for Sanchez-Mayen.
