PEP
01-15-2008, 07:07 PM
http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=cf99c52e-4e76-4e16-a0c8-1cf137b62e31
She's not legally old enough to drink, but an 18-year-old woman has filed a $10.5 million dollar lawsuit against the San Antonio Police Department.
She claims officers used excessive force after she was confronted about what she admits was a night of drinking at Cowboy's Dancehall.
Erin McCutchen and her family say they're looking for justice.
They want the police officers named in the suit to be punished or fired.
"She got the crap beat out of her," said Richard Hackney, Erin's father.
On Monday, she filed suit against the city claiming that last fall, while in police custody, she was "subjected to intentional, grotesque, and humiliating excessive, even deadly force."
"Nobody deserves for that to happen to them," said Erin McCutchen.
The city has not yet been served a copy of the suit and on Monday officials did not have a comment for the media.
Police officers did talk about the incident when it happened.
"She was so intoxicated, she needed help leaving the club. She was so belligerent and uncooperative with officers," said Sgt. Gabe Trevino, SAPD spokesman.
McCutchen agreed she bears some of the responsibility. She admits she was drinking that night, despite the fact that she is only 18. She says she did get out of hand while she was in the back of the patrol car.
"We were exchanging words, me and the cop, and I don't remember what was said, but I got mad and kicked out the window," said McCutchen.
For that, her stepfather says McCutchen should be held accountable.
"She deserved to get arrested and she deserved to be taken and charged," said Hackney.
He believes the city and its police department need to be held accountable as well.
"I don't think anybody deserves to get beaten like that," said Hackney.
The family is seeking $10.5 million dollars.
They said it is the number recommended by their lawyer and their primary focus is to see that the officers face disciplinary action.
Cowboys Dancehall is also named in the suit. The family claims the club serves alcohol to minors.
We were not able to reach anyone at Cowboys Dancehall for comment.
She's not legally old enough to drink, but an 18-year-old woman has filed a $10.5 million dollar lawsuit against the San Antonio Police Department.
She claims officers used excessive force after she was confronted about what she admits was a night of drinking at Cowboy's Dancehall.
Erin McCutchen and her family say they're looking for justice.
They want the police officers named in the suit to be punished or fired.
"She got the crap beat out of her," said Richard Hackney, Erin's father.
On Monday, she filed suit against the city claiming that last fall, while in police custody, she was "subjected to intentional, grotesque, and humiliating excessive, even deadly force."
"Nobody deserves for that to happen to them," said Erin McCutchen.
The city has not yet been served a copy of the suit and on Monday officials did not have a comment for the media.
Police officers did talk about the incident when it happened.
"She was so intoxicated, she needed help leaving the club. She was so belligerent and uncooperative with officers," said Sgt. Gabe Trevino, SAPD spokesman.
McCutchen agreed she bears some of the responsibility. She admits she was drinking that night, despite the fact that she is only 18. She says she did get out of hand while she was in the back of the patrol car.
"We were exchanging words, me and the cop, and I don't remember what was said, but I got mad and kicked out the window," said McCutchen.
For that, her stepfather says McCutchen should be held accountable.
"She deserved to get arrested and she deserved to be taken and charged," said Hackney.
He believes the city and its police department need to be held accountable as well.
"I don't think anybody deserves to get beaten like that," said Hackney.
The family is seeking $10.5 million dollars.
They said it is the number recommended by their lawyer and their primary focus is to see that the officers face disciplinary action.
Cowboys Dancehall is also named in the suit. The family claims the club serves alcohol to minors.
We were not able to reach anyone at Cowboys Dancehall for comment.