A Louisiana trucker claims Harris County deputies used brutal force during a medical emergency, seeking $1M+ damages in federal court.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Trinidad Cutshall, a Louisiana truck driver, filed a federal lawsuit alleging Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies used excessive force during a nationally televised I-10 standoff last December, nearly killing him as he suffered a medical emergency.
Cutshall claims he was sober and battling sepsis from COVID-19 when deputies mistook his slow driving for evasion, then shot him with rubber bullets, unleashed K-9s, deployed tear gas, and repeatedly punched him in the head while he was unconscious.
Nationally aired pursuit ends violently
According to the lawsuit, Cutshall was driving his rig at less than five miles per hour near Channelview, disoriented due to sepsis and coronavirus — a fact confirmed by medical records referenced in the lawsuit. Rather than recognizing his medical distress, Harris County deputies reportedly shut down I-10 and initiated a live-streamed pursuit that made national news. The incident escalated when the sheriff’s tactical team breached Cutshall’s cab with armored vehicles, fired tear gas, and entered with K-9 units.
Multiple deputies, multiple methods
The lawsuit names Harris County and 13 individual deputies and supervisors, detailing each person’s alleged role in the violent arrest. One deputy allegedly sent his canine to attack Cutshall’s arm, while others discharged rubber bullets through the cab windows and punched Cutshall in the head up to five times, even after he stopped responding and showed signs of unconsciousness. Several officers are accused of physically dragging Cutshall from the cab and pinning him to the pavement, though he was bleeding heavily and not resisting.
Criminal charges dropped, medical distress cited
After the incident, Cutshall faced a felony evading charge. The complaint notes the Harris County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the case just before trial, conceding it lacked criminal intent due to a medical emergency. The lawsuit highlights the DA’s dismissal as proof that the deputies ignored evidence of Cutshall’s condition and failed to provide timely aid, instead relying on forceful tactics that left him with lasting physical and mental injuries.
Alleged pattern of policy failures
Cutshall’s suit argues that Harris County’s policies and training failed to protect citizens in a medical crisis. The complaint cites department regulations on de-escalation and crisis response, alleging that officials disregarded protocols by escalating the situation instead of seeking medical help. The lawsuit faults Harris County for “deficient customs, policies, procedures and practices” and claims supervisors ratified the use of force, contributing to a broader pattern of constitutional violations within the sheriff’s office.
Damages sought
Cutshall seeks over $1 million in damages for injuries described as permanent, including vision impairment from tear gas, disfigurement from bite wounds and punches, mental anguish, and loss of earning capacity. He demands compensation under federal civil rights statutes and Texas state tort law, along with punitive damages and a jury trial on all issues.
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