Benton County man files lawsuit

BENTONVILLE -- A Benton County man claims he was physically abused and denied medical care while he was a prisoner in the Benton County Jail two years ago.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in Benton County Circuit Court by attorneys Joshua Bryant and George Morton on behalf of Ryan Templer. Sheriff Kelley Cradduck and several jail deputies are named as defendants.

Keshia Guyll, a spokeswoman for Sheriff's Office, said the office doesn't comment on pending lawsuits.

Templer claims he was abused by deputies in January 2014. The lawsuit describes at least three physical encounters between Templer and deputies.

Templer claims two deputies entered his cell and forced him to the floor Jan. 8, 2014. The lawsuit claims deputies struck Templer on one of his legs, his forehead and his left eye. A deputy also stunned him multiple times with the stun gun, according to the complaint. Templer claims he suffered multiple face contusions, a bloody nose and a injury to his mouth.

Templer later that day was admitted to an area hospital after a seizure. Templer had a concussion, an altered mental state, a fracture to his nasal bones, a fractured rib and numerous abrasions and contusions, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit claims Templer was returned to jail the same day and had two more seizures. He claims he never received any medical treatment in the jail.

Templer also claims two other deputies grabbed him Jan. 12, 2014, hit him on the knees and held him to the floor.

Templer had another seizure the next day and he was returned to the hospital, according to court documents. The lawsuit claims medical staff reported the seizures were the result of being shocked with a stun gun.

Templer is suing for excessive force, denial of medical care, battery, outrage and violations of his civil rights. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.

The case was assigned to Circuit Judge Doug Schrantz, who recused, then to Circuit Judge Xollie Duncan, who also recused. Circuit Judge Brad Karren will hear the case.

NW News on 02/12/2016

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