For release – February 12, 2020
FEDERAL JUDGE GRANTS MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN FAVOR OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY AND DEPUTY SAMUEL RULE
On November 14, 2019, United States District Judge Percy Anderson accepted findings and recommendations of United States Magistrate Judge in favor of the San Bernardino County and Deputy Samuel Rule, and against Plaintiff Angelo Torres.
On July 6, 2016, Deputy Rule was performing a safety check in a housing unit at the West Valley Detention Center. There was a disruption caused by Torres and in order to maintain control, Rule removed Torres from the other surrounding inmates. When Rule attempted to handcuff Torres, Torres resisted and punched Rule. Torres was eventually handcuffed. Torres was charged with felony violation of California Penal Code 69; resisting or obstructing a police officer. On June 15, 2018, Torres pled guilty (“no contest”) to the felony charge and was sentenced to two years in prison for this incident.
On July 6, 2018, Torres filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court against San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Samuel Rule. Torres alleged excessive force was used against him during an incident at the West Valley Detention Center.
Deputy County Counsel Kenneth Gregory represented the San Bernardino County and Deputy Rule. The Court dismissed Torres’ case on the County’s motion for summary judgement presented by Gregory.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department encourages the public to become informed on civil court cases. State lawsuits can be reviewed at http://www.sb-court.org/divisions/civil-general-information/court-case-information-and-document-sales . To review federal lawsuits, an account can be created on www.pacer.gov. With this account information, cases can be reviewed by any member of the public.
Deputy Report # 341600898
Court Case # CV 18-01443 A (AFM)
