LAKE CHARLES - Lake Charles police are alleged to have used excessive force on someone they approached about a break-in.
Corey Jamal Boutte filed a complaint on July 19 in the 14th Judicial District Court Parish of Calcasieu against the City of Lake Charles, the City of Lake Charles Police Department, Chief Shawn Caldwell, Officer Ryan Gaspard, and unknown officers 1 and 2.
According to the complaint, on June 16, 2020, Boutte was riding his bicycle in the area of 4th Avenue and 2nd Avenue and as he was riding his bicycle, he noticed three white police trucks with the lights on pass by in the opposite direction.
Suddenly and without warning, the three white trucks pulled up behind Boutte and instructed him to get off his bicycle, he says. Boutte allegedly got off his bicycle and the officers indicated they were looking for an individual who broke into someone's home and stole an AK47.
Officers then asked Boutte if he had any drugs on him, and in fear of his person, he then began to flee on foot, he says. Officers chased the unarmed Boutte. During the chase, officers then discharged their tasers, striking Boutte head, the suit says.
When Boutte awoke, he was on a stretcher in excruciating pain, he says. Boutte alleges that as a result of being stuck with the taser, he fell ,causing him to forcefully hit his head on the concrete which resulted in seizures, fractured jaw and other injuries including severe cement burns and scrapes to his face and arms.
Boutte seeks punitive and exemplary damages, attorney fees and for legal interest. Boutte is represented by Brent A. Hawkins.
The defendants recently removed the case to federal court.