ALEXANDRIA - Quentin Terrell filed a federal lawsuit on December 9 in the Western District Court of Louisiana against the Town of Woodworth, Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies, Mayor David Butler, James Gonzales and Lory Malone for excessive force, malicious prosecution and defamation.
According to the lawsuit, on Dec. 13, 2020, Terrell was driving a silver Pontiac Grand Prix that was alleged to have been speeding, resulting in him being pulled over for a traffic violation by Chief of Police for the Town of Woodworth James Gonzales with Officer Lory Malone coming on scene soon after.
While conducting the stop, officers asked Terrell to exit the vehicle due to smelling marijuana despite Terrell having only smoked tobacco cigarettes, he says. Officers searched Terrell's vehicle and did not find marijuana, the suit says.
Terrell broke free from Officer Malone, ran to the passenger's side to retrieve a firearm he kept on the left side and began running from officers, the suit says. Terrell was tackled and got back on his feet to run, the suit says. Officers informed Terrell to drop the weapon, which was no longer in Terrell's hand, and officers proceeded to shoot Terrell in the back twice, the suit says.
It is alleged that Chief Gonzales failed to intervene and stop Officer Malone from letting the situation escalate.
Terrell was caused to suffer permanent injuries from being shot, lost wages, lost opportunity at income, medical bills, and loss of enjoyment of life and defamation of character.
Terrell seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees and cost of suit. Terrell is represented by Joseph J. Long of Baton Rouge.
Western District Court of Louisiana case number 1:21-cv-04224-DDD-JPM