CHARLESTON — Two Kanawha County residents are suing the West Virginia State Police and officers, alleging excessive force, unlawful search and seizure.
Steven W. Compton and Crystal Pauley filed a lawsuit Oct. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia against West Virginia State Police, Sgt. Larry G. O'Bryan, Sgt. Travis Berry and Trooper Joseph M. Comer, alleging violation of the plaintiffs' established rights under the Fourth and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 8 2014, Compton and Pauley were unlawfully searched and arrested. As a result of the defendants' actions, the suit says, they sustained physical, mental and emotional damages.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants unlawfully beat, kicked, punched and struck Compton, and allowed their K-9 dog to bite, maul and tear the flesh off Compton's left arm. The suit says the police also slammed to the ground and arrested Pauley.
Compton and Pauley seek trial by jury, judgment for all damages in an amount to be determined at trial, attorney fees and court costs, plus all other relief that is equitable. They are represented by attorney Mark S. Plants of Plants Law Office in South Charleston.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia Case number 2:16-cv-09298
