Taxi customer cites policeman with alleged assault

GRAFTON — A Taylor County man filed a lawsuit against a municipal entity and its officer for liability in a 2014 incident.

George R. Hershman brought a complaint against the City of Grafton and Lt. David T. Holcomb, individually and in his capacity as a police officer and employee of the defendant, in Taylor Circuit Court claiming negligence in November 2014.

According to the filing, the plaintiff arrived at a limousine service’s place of business to obtain a taxi ride home on Nov. 11, 2014. While waiting for a cab, the suit states, Holcomb arrived and confronted the plaintiff.

Hershman states that as he arose from his chair in the waiting area to speak to the defendant, who was standing in the doorway threshold, Holcomb seized him and threw him violently to the ground of the parking lot. The suit maintains that Holcomb acted maliciously without provocation, violating the plaintiff’s civil rights.

Citing the City of Grafton with vicarious liability, Hershman alleges negligent training and supervision in the incident. He claims physical injuries and mental anguish; annoyance, inconvenience, aggravation and emotional distress; and diminished ability to enjoy life.

According to court documents, the incident was captured on surveillance tape. The plaintiff seeks consequential, incidental, and punitive damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees, and costs.

Hershman is represented by Kevin Tipton of Tipton Law Offices in Fairmont.

Taylor Circuit Court case number: 15-C-27