NEW ORLEANS – An Orleans Parish man is seeking damages, claiming that he was arrested after asking to speak with the manager of a Wal-Mart.
Michael E. Duronslet filed a lawsuit June 20 against Walmart Stores Inc. and Marlin N. Gusman, sheriff for Orleans Parish in Orleans Parish Civil District Court alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff was in the Wal-Mart at 4301 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans on June 23, 2016, when the incident occurred. The suit states that the plaintiff was picking up a prescription from the pharmacy. When he asked to speak to the pharmacist to ask why the prescription was partially filled, the pharmacist allegedly didn't respond and continued closing down the pharmacy. The plaintiff asked to speak with the manager but was ignored, and an employee called over a police officer who was in the store.
The plaintiff was allegedly attacked by the officer, who threw him to the floor, detained him in a private room and threatened arrest unless the plaintiff signed an agreement to not enter the property again. The plaintiff signed the form but claims he was not in the wrong and that the actions of the police officer and the Walmart employee made him suffer emotional and physical distress.
The defendant is accused of excessive force, negligence, false arrest and deprivation of civil rights.
The plaintiff seeks all reasonable damages, court costs, attorney fees and all appropriate relief. The plaintiff is represented by attorney Vallerie Oxner in Metairie.
The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Cherrell S. Taplin.
Orleans Parish Civil District Court case number 17-5958