Santa Ana : Police Sued Over Alleged Injuries in Beach Battle
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A man who said he was beaten for no reason by police during a melee at a surfing championship in Huntington Beach last summer sued five cities, the state and the county on Wednesday.
In the Superior Court lawsuit, Raymond Hopkins claimed that law enforcement authorities caused the Aug. 31 riot in which dozens were injured.
Hopkins said he was an innocent spectator when he was struck by club-wielding police officers. While he was semiconscious from the beating, police allegedly resumed the attack, leading to a concussion and injuring his ribs, the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit was filed by Santa Ana attorney Catherine A. Vincent.
In an earlier administrative claim, Hopkins had demanded $600,000 in damages. All police agencies named as defendants have denied administrative claims filed by Hopkins.
In addition to the California Highway Patrol and Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Hopkins sued police in Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, Fullerton and Costa Mesa.
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