Nederland Police Brutality Lawsuit

In an article at http://www.kfdm.com/articles/simon-34250-police-nederland.html , KFDM News reports that a former deputy constable filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Nederland and one of its police officers, alleging he was the victim of police brutality.  According to the September 21, 2009 article, the 65-year-old former deputy constable spent a night in jail after being arrested for aggravated assault as a result of attempting to get inside a burning home in Nederland because he thought his grandson might be inside.  During the March 2008 home fire, the man panicked because his grandson was missing and he feared he might be trapped inside.  As stated in the article, a fire fighter grabbed him and pulled him back before he reached the door but he pushed him away and continued trying to get inside the house until police allegedly used a taser and peppar spray on him.  The article further reports that he was allegedly tackled, struck in the face with a baton, and had his head held under water in a drainage ditch, as well as hit on the head.  At the conclusion of the criminal trial, he was found not guilty and other charges were dropped.  He contends that he filed the police brutality lawsuit, hoping the City of Nedeland will become more ”conscious in the hiring of police officers and training them properly.”  For their own part, the Nederland City Attorney and Police Chief reportedly could not comment on the pending litigation.