A double-amputee has filed a civil rights suit against the city of Los Angeles, alleging he was injured due to the negligence of two officers after being given a breathalyzer test for a drunken-driving arrest in 2024.
Javier Rivera Torres’ Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit also alleges battery and false arrest/imprisonment. He seeks unspecified compensatory damages as well as punitive damages against the two officers. A representative for the City Attorney’s Office did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the suit brought Friday.
According to the suit, Torres uses artificial limbs and requires a mobility aid for stability and support. He was taken into custody on March 4, 2024, for the alleged DUI and was not permitted to use his walker during the breathalyzer exam at the police station, the suit states.
Torres required help to stand and the officers held the plaintiff up by his arms until after the test, when they abruptly released him, causing him to fall on one knee and face and injure the lower part of his body, the suit states.
The suit alleges the conduct of the officers was done with “wanton, malicious and … reckless disregard for the rights and safety” of Torres.
The officers knew Torres needed assistance to stand and were negligent when the suddenly loosened their hold on him, the suit further states.