Two Titus County residents have filed suit against the county sheriff's office, alleging nine officers broke into their home and forced them to the ground without probable cause.
Ruben Izquierdo and Maria Cordova-Batista allege nine officers from the Titus County Sheriff's Department arrived at their home at 401 West Seventh St. in Mount Pleasant on Sept. 12, 2012. The officers entered the home without knocking and with weapons drawn, according to the complaint filed Sept. 11 in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas.
"Hayes immediately tackled Cordova -- who was at the time battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy -- with no provocation," the suit states. "When Izquierdo attempted to help Cordova, his wife, Izquierdo was repeatedly assaulted by numerous methods."
Izquierdo alleges he was tackled to the ground by officer Carlock, who then used a Taser on him on at least three separate occasions. Two other officers -- Wilson and Smith -- repeatedly beat Izquierdo with the end of a metal flashlight on his arms, shoulder and head, according to the complaint.
The plaintiffs allege they did not attempt to retaliate against the officers. As a result of the attack, Izquierdo was taken to Titus Regional Hospital where he was diagnosed with multiple fractures to his shoulder and ribs, the suit states. In addition, Cordova was diagnosed with facial swelling and other contusions, the complaint says.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants violated their constitutional rights.
They seek a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of the court, plus exemplary damages, pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Gregory W. Mitchell of The Mitchell Law Firm in Dallas will represent them.
Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number: 5:14-CV-118
This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note that a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and it represents only one side of the story.