NC man sues sheriff, others for injuries in arrest

RALEIGH, N.C. — A North Carolina man has sued a sheriff and his deputies as well as state prison officials for his treatment during and following an arrest.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that 35-year-old StevenWayne Thomas has filed federal lawsuits charging that Lee County deputies hit him, kicked him in the head, used pepper sprayed and shocked him with a Taser at least 11 times.

Thomas says he suffered a broken jaw and lost a tooth during the April arrest.

He says he was attacked after he became mentally disoriented and asked a deputy for help.

Thomas is also suing the North Carolina Department of Correction, saying it failed to provide proper medical care.

Sheriff Tracy Carter says his deputies acted appropriately after Thomas acted aggressively and failed to follow commands.

Information from: The News & Observer

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