In a recent civil rights lawsuit, Jessica Poullard has filed a complaint against the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) and several of its officers, including JaByron McGloster and former Chief Murphy Paul. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on May 17, 2024.
According to the filing, Ms. Poullard alleges that she was subjected to excessive force by Officer McGloster on May 23, 2023, at the Greyhound bus station on Florida Street in Baton Rouge. She claims that after arriving at the station and seeing her brother engaged in conversation with McGloster and an unknown female security guard, she approached them but was ordered by McGloster to return to her vehicle. Despite complying with his command, Ms. Poullard asserts that she was suddenly tackled from behind by McGloster, resulting in a fractured ankle which required surgery.
The complaint further details that other BRPD officers arrived during or after the incident but failed to assist Ms. Poullard despite her pleas for help. Eventually, an unidentified white male officer helped her back to her vehicle. Following this incident, Ms. Poullard was cited for two misdemeanors: "Simple Battery" and "Entry on or Remaining in Places/Land After Forbidden," although no formal charges were pursued.
Ms. Poullard's lawsuit includes multiple allegations under both federal and state law. She accuses Officer McGloster of using excessive force in violation of her Fourth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Additionally, she claims that other officers failed to intervene during the incident, contributing to her suffering and injuries. Under Louisiana state law, Ms. Poullard brings claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, battery, and failure to supervise and train against the defendants.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Ms. Poullard is asking for compensatory damages covering medical expenses, lost wages due to inability to work post-injury, pain and suffering as well as emotional distress caused by the incident. She also seeks punitive damages against each individual defendant involved in their professional capacities under color of law.
Representing Ms. Poullard are attorneys Kathryn Jakuback Burke, Jacob G. Longman, F. Richard Sprinkle, and Jacob A. McCon from Longman Jakuback APLC based in Baton Rouge.
The case is presided over by Judge John W deGravelles with Case ID: 3:24-cv-00394-JWD-RLB.