Louisiana Cops Accused of Brutality in $2 Million Lawsuit
THIBODAUX, La. — Two family members are seeking $2 million in a lawsuit that claims police injured them while searching for their relative.
Darrell Everett, and his sister-in-law Diane Robertson, filed a that names former Thibodaux Police officer Eddie Rodrigue, as well as the Thibodaux Police Chiefi, the city of Thibodaux, the Lafourche sheriff, and an unnamed deputy as defendants. The two are seeking $1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.
The lawsuit alleges that Rodrigue kicked their door down, slammed Everett to the ground, and caused “extensive injuries” by pressing his knee on Everett’s back. The lawsuit also claims the unnamed deputy threw Robertson to the ground by her shoulder. Neither Everett or Robertson are accused of committing a crime.
In addition to the injuries and emotional distress caused by police, the lawsuit also claims police are liable for hiring poorly trained officers. “The defendants failed to effectively screen, hire, train, supervise and discipline officers on how to handle aggressive situations,” the lawsuit says.
Shannon Battiste, the family’s attorney, says the lawsuit isn’t about the money. “I want my client to be compensated for the abuse that she received. We always see on the news where people, especially minorities, are getting attacked by police officers.”
The lawsuit is in the process of being served, and a court date has not yet been set.
