On March 30, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment to a local county sheriff’s deputy. Baty Otto Coronado partners Chris Heigele and Steve Coronado successfully defended the deputy against allegations of wrongful arrest and excessive force. In this case, an individual attempted to enter a restricted area of a local auto auction without authorization. The deputy stopped the individual and instructed him to leave. When he refused and admittedly resisted, the deputy pepper-sprayed and fought him. After extensive briefing and oral argument, the Court of Appeals affirmed the finding of the trial court that the deputy’s actions were reasonable and justified and entered judgment for the deputy.
The appellate court’s full opinion can be found here.