An Austin man, Marquel Andre Loggins, has filed a federal lawsuit accusing two police officers and the City of Austin of excessive force and neglect during an incident in December 2022 that left him with a traumatic brain injury. The case, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, paints a troubling picture of police conduct and raises questions about accountability and systemic issues within the Austin Police Department.
A Routine Evening Turns Traumatic
According to the lawsuit, the night began like any other for Loggins, who was driving to his apartment complex in Austin. But things took a shocking turn when an officer, who had been following him in a patrol car, stopped him as he parked in his assigned spot. Loggins, who reportedly hadn’t committed any traffic violations, stepped out of his vehicle only to find the officer exiting his car with a gun already drawn.
The lawsuit claims the officer issued unclear and frantic commands, leaving Loggins confused and frightened. Attempting to show he wasn’t a threat, Loggins raised his hands and slowly backed away. Despite his compliance and lack of aggression, the officer allegedly put away his firearm and instead deployed his Taser, striking Loggins in the back. The electrical shock caused Loggins to collapse, hitting his head on the pavement.
The Aftermath: A Delayed Response
The lawsuit alleges that the officer’s actions left Loggins with a severe traumatic brain injury, which was further exacerbated by what happened next—or rather, what didn’t happen. When another officer arrived to assist, both reportedly observed Loggins convulsing and bleeding from his head, nose, and mouth. Despite the clear medical emergency, the officers delayed calling for emergency medical services, and when they did, they failed to expedite the response.
Court documents say it took EMS roughly 40 minutes to arrive, during which time Loggins’ condition worsened. By the time paramedics evaluated him, he was incoherent, experiencing seizures, and showing signs of severe head trauma. He was later diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a serious brain injury with lasting physical and cognitive effects.
The Broader Implications
The lawsuit doesn’t just focus on what happened that night—it also places blame on systemic issues within the Austin Police Department. Loggins’ attorneys argue that the department’s policies, training, and disciplinary practices fail to adequately address or deter misconduct. They claim this creates a culture where excessive force and racial profiling are not only tolerated but, in some cases, encouraged.
This isn’t the first time the Austin Police Department has faced such criticism. The lawsuit highlights prior incidents of excessive force, including a $67 million federal jury verdict against Austin officers in a wrongful death case, and a $22 million settlement for injuries sustained during Black Lives Matter protests. Loggins, who is African American, believes racial bias played a role in how he was treated.
The Legal Fight Ahead
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Loggins’ medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages against the officers involved. It also calls for systemic changes within the police department to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition to his injuries, Loggins faced criminal charges after the incident, including evading and resisting arrest and property damage exceeding $200. However, all charges were later dismissed by the Travis County Attorney’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.
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