A Harris County couple has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that a routine dining dispute at a Webster restaurant escalated into an unlawful arrest, seizure of property, and criminal prosecution that later collapsed after video evidence was reviewed.

The lawsuit, filed January 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, names the City of Webster, two Webster police officers, El Tiempo Cantina in Webster, and two restaurant managers in connection with the January 27, 2024 incident  .

Dinner at El Tiempo Cantina Turns Contentious

According to the court filing, Emilio Longoria and Maria Longoria were dining at El Tiempo Cantina in Webster on the evening of January 27, 2024, celebrating a special occasion. The lawsuit states that both were calm, sober, and non-disruptive throughout the meal.

The situation allegedly changed when Assistant Manager Armando Marquez approached the table and demanded that the couple move mid-meal to make room for a larger white family. The filing states that the Longorias had been properly seated and were more than halfway through their dinner at the time.

Emilio and Maria Longoria questioned the request and offered to move after finishing their meal or to relocate to another area selected by management. The lawsuit alleges that Marquez attempted to secure compliance by offering free drinks, which the couple declined.

Management Escalation and Police Called

The filing states that General Manager Sherry Kinsey intervened and escalated the interaction rather than de-escalating it. According to the lawsuit, Kinsey characterized disagreement over seating as aggression and threatened to contact law enforcement. At that point, the Longorias began recording the interaction, which the filing describes as lawful activity protected under the First Amendment. The lawsuit alleges that Kinsey then contacted police and falsely reported that the couple was intoxicated and disorderly.

Webster Police Response and Arrest

Webster Police Officers Jacob T. Arnesen and Norbert Ding responded to the call. The lawsuit alleges that the officers accepted the restaurant’s account without conducting an independent investigation. According to the filing, Officer Arnesen ordered Emilio Longoria to leave despite his lawful presence and calm demeanor. The lawsuit states that no field sobriety tests, breath tests, or blood tests were conducted, yet Officer Arnesen declared Longoria intoxicated based solely on subjective claims later contradicted by video evidence.

Emilio Longoria was arrested for public intoxication, handcuffed in public, transported to jail, and temporarily disarmed when his lawfully carried firearm was seized under what the filing describes as a “safekeeping” justification. The lawsuit further alleges that Officer Norbert Ding threatened Maria Longoria with arrest and accused her of intoxication. Maria Longoria reportedly attempted to explain that she has a disability and offered documentation from her purse, but the filing claims the officer ignored that information and required her to arrange alternate transportation.

Seating Change and Allegations of Disparate Treatment

The lawsuit states that immediately after the Longorias were removed from the restaurant, their table was occupied by a white family. Emilio and Maria Longoria are Hispanic, and the filing alleges selective enforcement and disparate treatment based on race.

Criminal Case Later Collapses

According to the court filing, Emilio Longoria was jailed, charged, and prosecuted for public intoxication. The case later fell apart after prosecutors reviewed video evidence that allegedly contradicted the arresting officer’s narrative. The criminal proceeding terminated in Longoria’s favor, a fact the lawsuit highlights as legally significant under recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent cited in the filing.

Claims Raised in Federal Court

The lawsuit alleges violations of constitutional protections involving unlawful arrest, retaliation for recording and verbal objection, improper detention, and unequal treatment. It also raises claims against the City of Webster, alleging failures in training and supervision that allowed officers to convert non-criminal disputes into arrests. The filing further alleges that restaurant management acted jointly with law enforcement by providing false information and pressing police involvement to resolve a private customer-service dispute.

Damages and Relief Sought

Emilio and Maria Longoria allege loss of liberty, emotional distress, humiliation, reputational harm, and medical issues tied to the stress of the incident. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and declaratory relief. A jury trial has been requested.

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