The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News | A Texas News Source

Zapata County Deputy Breaks Citizens Vertebrae, Gets Sued

Zapata County Deputy Breaks Citizens Vertebrae, Gets Sued

By

The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News, your source for engaging and informative Texas news. Our publication focuses on delivering accurate and impactful stories that matter to you, with a primary emphasis on Central and South Texas. Stay informed about pressing issues and gain a deeper understanding of your government. With a commitment to transparency and accountability, trust us to provide reliable information that holds those in power accountable.


Javier Munoz filed a civil rights lawsuit against Zapata County Deputy Sheriffs alleging unlawful arrest and excessive force, seeking redress for injuries incurred. Another resident previously sued for similar reasons, indicating a concerning pattern.


Zapata County Deputy Breaks Citizens Vertebrae, Gets Sued

Zapata County Deputy Breaks Citizens Vertebrae, Gets Sued

Plaintiff Javier Munoz has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Zapata County Deputy Sheriffs Dominic Madrid and Hector Solis, alleging unlawful arrest and excessive use of force. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Laredo Division, seeks redress for an incident that occurred on May 26, 2022.

According to the complaint, Plaintiff Munoz, a resident of Zapata County, Texas, was involved in a dispute with a third party over the purchase of stolen personal property. Subsequently, law enforcement officers, including Deputy Solis, a state DPS trooper, and members of the U.S. Border Patrol, arrived at Munoz’s residence around 9:00 AM to interview him. Eyewitnesses Hector Cruz and Anibal Salinas were also present during the interview.

The situation took a drastic turn when Defendant Dominic Madrid, a deputy with the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office, arrived at the scene and aggressively intervened, leading to the unwarranted handcuffing and subsequent physical assault of Plaintiff Munoz. Defendant Madrid’s actions, which resulted in Plaintiff suffering broken vertebrae, were allegedly witnessed by Deputy Solis, who failed to intervene and later transported Plaintiff to the courthouse without filing any charges.

Furthermore, the complaint outlines a pattern of obstruction, as Plaintiff’s open records request for police body camera videos was denied by the Zapata County sheriff’s department. Plaintiff’s legal counsel reiterated the request but was similarly unsuccessful in obtaining the footage relevant to the incident.

As a consequence of the alleged misconduct by the Defendants, Plaintiff Munoz has incurred substantial medical expenses and will require ongoing medical treatment, including orthopedic care. Additionally, the lawsuit asserts claims for lost wages, income, physical pain, and suffering, as well as mental anguish and emotional distress resulting from the altercation.

The lawsuit aims to hold the Defendants accountable for their actions and seeks appropriate compensation for the damages suffered by Plaintiff Munoz.

Prior Lawsuit on Zapata County Deputies Claimed Excessive Use of Force Resulting in Amputation

Published on July 13, 2023, KGNS reported on a lawsuit filed by a Zapata County resident against the sheriff’s office and four deputies for alleged excessive use of force, which resulted in the amputation of his leg.

The incident occurred on February 26, 2022, during an argument between Rigoberto Barrientos and his girlfriend, ultimately leading to law enforcement being contacted.

Upon arrival at the home, the deputies reportedly found no signs of forced entry or physical harm. However, a heated exchange during questioning allegedly resulted in a violent arrest, with claims of a dangerous takedown maneuver being used by the deputies.

During the altercation, Barrientos’s leg was forcefully bent in the opposite direction, leading to a severe injury that required the application of two tourniquets to save his life. Additionally, allegations were made regarding the falsification of the police report by a sheriff’s deputy.

Barrientos is seeking approximately half a million dollars for medical expenses, with his attorney pushing for the case to go to trial.

To further explore this story, you can watch Corner News’s YouTube video of the press conference here.

Consumer Justice Center P.A. Representing Both Plaintiffs

Kevin Green associated with Consumer Justice Center P.A. is a licensed attorney out of the Austin, Texas. He is representing both plaintiff’s in their fight for justice against excessive use of force claims causing significant and life altering injuries.

The occurrence of two lawsuits within a short span of time can indicate a pattern of concerning behavior or oversights within Zapata County. When legal actions are taken against a county or its policies, it brings attention to potential underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly. These situations can pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the community members, requiring thorough examination and proactive measures to ensure a secure environment for all residents. Addressing the root causes of such legal actions is imperative in safeguarding the rights and safety of individuals within the county.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only. The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories. However, readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel and guidance for their specific legal inquiries and concerns. The publication does not assume any responsibility for actions taken by individuals based on the information presented.

Additionally, while every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information, the publication does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal information with official sources and to use their discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided.

A Couple of Our Other Reads

You may be interested in our publishing on two State Board of Pharmacy officers resigning to avoid termination.

Or you may find our publishing about a TABC officer resigning to avoid termination, of interest.


Follow Us on Social Media

If you are interested in staying updated on matters about your government in Texas and other important stories, trust The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News to provide reliable information that matters to you. You can follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Reddit, YouTube, Tumblr, and LinkedIn to stay connected and informed.

FACEBOOK: TheHawksEyeNews
INSTAGRAM: Hawk_s_Eye_C_and_N
X: TheHawksEyeNews
REDDIT: TheHawksEyeCN
YOUTUBE: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
TUMBLR: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
LINKEDIN: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *