LOS ANGELES : Denny Case Defendant Has Incident With Deputy

Damian Monroe Williams, a defendant in the assault on trucker Reginald O. Denny, was involved in an altercation with a sheriff’s deputy in an elevator at the Criminal Courts Building, authorities said Monday.

A deputy ordered Williams three times to face the wall of the elevator as he was being taken from a courtroom to the building’s lockup after a court session Friday, said Deputy Angie McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the department. Williams, 20, refused each time, she said.

The deputy, who was not identified, then turned Williams toward the elevator wall, McLaughlin said, adding that Williams did not complain of any injuries after the incident and refused to be examined by a doctor.

Edi M.O. Faal, Williams’ attorney, said Monday that the deputy used his forearm against Williams’ neck. Williams’ neck was swollen and he had difficulty swallowing later Friday, Faal said.