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Civil Rights
Police Misconduct
Excessive Force

Daniel Wurster v. West Covina, et al.

Published: Sep. 23, 1995 | Result Date: Aug. 1, 1995 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: KC001749 –  $0

Judge

James H. Piatt

Court

L.A. Superior Pomona


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Thomas Patrick Murphy

Richard Michael Elinski


Defendant

William Charles Bradley


Experts

Plaintiff

Emery G. Zimmerman
(medical)

Ralph E. Johnson
(medical)

Max H. Matos
(medical)

Facts

During the late evening hours of July 25, 1989, three officers of Defendant West Covina Police Department were dispatched to Plaintiff's residence after a call from one of Plaintiff's neighbors' reporting an apparent domestic dispute. Upon arrival, the Defendant officers heard a male yelling and a female pleading; they also heard pounding, either on the floor or the walls. When the officers knocked on the front door, they were met by Plaintiff Daniel Wurster, a 27-year-old shipping clerk; he informed the officers that their presence was not required; he then attempted to close the front door. The officers forcibly entered the residence, Plaintiff struck one of the officers in the chest, and Plaintiff was subsequently placed in custody (arrested, physically restrained, and handcuffed). Plaintiff was then placed in the rear seat of a patrol unit and transported to West Covina Police Department Jail, for booking. Plaintiff was placed in a detoxification cell where he remained until approximately 5:30 a.m., the following morning. He was then booked and released with a citation for obstructing a peace officer and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Settlement Discussions

Defendants contend there were no offers and/or demands exchanged.

Specials in Evidence

$35,000 not specified

Injuries

Ruptured spinal disc, fractured rib, and various soft tissue injuries.

Deliberation

6 hours

Poll

9-3

Length

6 days


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