Bates v. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept.

District Court, D. Nevada·Decided March 13, 2023·No. 2:22-cv-00957·Unknown

Opinion

* * *

JAMES E. BATES, Case No. 2:22-cv-00957-CDS-EJY

Plaintiff, ORDER and v. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION

LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE Re: ECF No. 16 DEPARTMENT, et al., Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint Defendants. This matter is before the Court for screening of Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint (the “FAC”). ECF No. 16. Plaintiff was granted in forma pauperis status on September 21, 2022. ECF No. 10. In screening the complaint, a court must identify cognizable claims and dismiss claims that are frivolous, malicious, fail to state a claim on which relief may be granted or seek monetary relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). Dismissal for failure to state a claim under § 1915(e)(2) incorporates the standard for failure to state a claim under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). Watison v. Carter, 668 F.3d 1108, 1112 (9th Cir. 2012). To survive § 1915 review, a complaint must “contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009). The court liberally construes pro se complaints and may only dismiss them “if it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claim which would entitle him to relief.” Nordstrom v. Ryan, 762 F.3d 903, 908 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting id.) A. Background Facts. Plaintiff contends on August 21, 2020, he was shopping with his girlfriend at a Family Dollar store. ECF No. 16 at 7. Plaintiff was unarmed and in the process of carrying several items to the Metropolitan Police Department (the “LVMPD” or the “Department”) including Detective Mack O’Halloran, Detective J. Alessio, and Sergeant S. Perry. Id.1 Plaintiff further avers that thirteen other members of the LVMPD—B. Moore, A. Hawkins, E. Stafford, S. McGrill, J. Pappab, J. Marin, J. Beckerle, T. Faller, M. Magsaysay, J. Cortez, A. Salgado, T. Ivie, and J. Strumillo—were instructed to enter the store to ensure Plaintiff’s arrest was executed by any means. Id. Plaintiff says these thirteen LVMPD Officers looked on as the assault occurred, but failed to intercede. Id. Plaintiff alleges that Sergeant Perry instructed Detective O’Halloran, his subordinate, “to double up the taser so they would be able to inflict the maximum amount of pain on [Plaintiff],” after which O’Halloran tased Plaintiff in the back. Id. O’Halloran allegedly taunted Plaintiff as he tased Plaintiff a second time. Id. As a result of the second tasing, Plaintiff contends he soiled himself, bit through his tongue, and banged his head. Id. at 8. Plaintiff accuses O’Halloran, Alessio, and Nahum of laughing while Plaintiff was subjected to this treatment. Id. at 8. Plaintiff states that while shackled, the law enforcement officers dragged him across the floor and placed him on his feet with two taser prongs still in his back. Id. Plaintiff asserts that throughout the entire episode, the remaining LVMPD officers stood by and failed to intercede as they were required to do under the LVMPD’s Use of Force Policy 3.110 (the “Policy”). Id. at 7. After Plaintiff was walked out of the store, Plaintiff contends O’Halloran, under the supervision of Perry, pulled the taser prongs from Plaintiff’s back, but refused Plaintiff the opportunity to receive medical attention from paramedics on scene. Id. at 8. Sometime later, LVMPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau interviewed Plaintiff and asked whether the officers had identified themselves prior to engaging him. Id. Plaintiff said no. Id. Plaintiff avers he was subsequently transported to the Clark County Detention Center (“CCDC”) where he was again denied medical care after requesting attention from the on duty nurse. Id. As a result of these events, Plaintiff alleges he suffers from lifelong injuries that impair his ability to perform his work duties as a construction worker and to enjoy his hobbies and other daily activities. Id. at 10. Plaintiff asserts four claims against Defendants. Although it is not entirely clear against which Defendant(s) each claim is brought, the Court analyzes all claim against every named Defendant. First, Plaintiff accuses Defendants of violating his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizure, excessive force, and cruel and unusual punishment. Id. at 9. Second, Plaintiff alleges Defendants violated his rights under the Nevada Constitution guaranteeing a right to privacy. Id. at 8. Third, Plaintiff alleges Defendants violated his rights to equal protection and due process under the Fourteenth Amendment. Id. at 10. Finally, Plaintiff argues Defendants deprived him of his rights to receive medical care. Id. Plaintiff requests: (1) a trial by jury, (2) $2,000,000 in compensatory damages, (3) $4,000,000 in punitive damages, (4) $2,000,000 in damages for mental and emotional distress, (5) $2,000,000 for pain and suffering, and (6) injunctive relief via a change in the LVMPD’s taser policy. Id. at 11.

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Bates v. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept., (D. Nev. 2023).

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