County admits deputy had no reason to stop or use force on man with Down syndrome

Описание: SAN DIEGO - Team 10 has uncovered new information about a case involving a man with Down syndrome who was hit, pepper sprayed and arrested by a San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy.

Team 10's troubleshooter obtained new video where the county admits the deputy had no reason to stop Antonio Martinez or use force on him.

A lawsuit has been filed alleging excessive use of force, a violation of Martinez's constitutional rights, and questioning how law enforcement interacts and deals with mentally disabled people.

What Happened

Antonio Martinez is 22 years old, but his school records and doctors say he functions at a 7-year-old's level.

Martinez has Down syndrome and lives in Vista with his family.

"This was the case of a totally innocent, vulnerable, child essentially," said Jude Basile of Basile Law Firm in San Louis Obispo. Basile is also counsel at Gomez Trial Attorneys in San Diego.

"A person with Down syndrome was assaulted, taken away, held against their will for five hours. Kept away from their parents," said Basile.

More at ABC10
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