SIMI VALLEY : Man Files Lawsuit Against City, Officer
A Simi Valley man sued the city and one of its police officers Thursday, claiming his arm was injured during an arrest last May.
In the suit, filed in Ventura County Superior Court, Robert A. Cope says he was arrested May 28 on a drunk-driving charge. During the arrest, Officer David Livingstone “roughly grabbed” Cope’s arm, causing a tear in the rotator cuff, the suit says.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that control shoulder rotation. Cope, a mover, is awaiting surgery and has not been able to work since the injury, said his attorney, Randolph K. Joyce.
“This is an unfortunate incident,” Joyce said. “I don’t think the officer meant to inflict the injury.”
The suit does not specify an amount of damages. Cope filed a claim with the city seeking $100,000, which was rejected.
City Atty. Richard Allan Wylie declined to comment until he sees the suit.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
