A man is suing the Hawthorne Police Department after being blinded in one eye after an arrest. There is enough evidence that the police have launched their own investigation into the matter. NBC Los Angeles reports.
The man suing was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence. While at the station, according to the man’s lawyer, an officer pushed him against some lockers against the wall. A protruding piece of metal stabbed into his right eye through both sides of the cornea and tore it.
He is claiming damages against the city of Hawthorn, the police chief, three officers, and two prison officers. The incident was caught on video by cameras at the station. The lawyer has seen the video, but it has not been released to the public.
The Hawthorn police issued a statement saying:
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“We know of an accident that happened when Mr. Sargado injured his right eye while in our detention. The city is in contact with Mr. Sargado’s lawyer in this regard. In addition, an administrative investigation into the circumstances of this case has begun. Due to the proceedings in dispute, no further comments can be made.”
The lawyer states that the police taunted the man while he was injured and took seven hours to take the man to the hospital. He fears he will not be able to return to work at UCLA due to his eye injury.
If he is unsuccessful in his suit, he plans to proceed with a federal civil rights proceeding.
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