Trespassing gophers digging up yards are a common occurrence, but it's a tad stranger when the intruder is a human digging a drainage ditch in a shopping center.
Ricky Lightfoot claims two companies trespassed and dug a drainage ditch on his property without permission.
He filed suit against Kelly Family Investments and Allied Electrical Contractors of Beaumont Inc. in the Jefferson County District Court on Feb. 1.
According to his petition, Lightfoot owns the property known as Washington Village Parkway in Beaumont. He claims KFI and AECOB "unlawfully trespassed and dug a drainage ditch on his property without his permission."
In his suit, Lightfoot says he has suffered serious and substantial damage, and is demanding that the drainage ditch now be filled with dirt or with pipe and covered with dirt.
"Plaintiff has incurred costs and expenses in the prosecution of this suit, and the Defendants should reimburse Plaintiff for the costs and expenses incurred in this matter," the suit said. "Plaintiff should be entitled to recover exemplary … and actual damages."
Lightfoot is also suing for attorney's fees.
He is requesting a trial by jury and is represented by Mary Bradford, attorney for the Reaud, Morgan & Quinn law firm.
The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th Judicial District.
Case No. D181-168