CHARLESTON — A man is suing the Kanawha County Commission after his 2019 arrest.
Deputy E.T. Carte, Deputy A.E. Stricklen, Lt. J.T. Thaxton and three unknown, unnamed sheriff's deputies were also named as defendants in the suit.
Gregory Gene Abbott Jr. was arrested on April 2, 2019, after a domestic violence report was made about him, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
When Carte and Stricklen arrived at the home of Gregory Gene Abbott Sr. and Carolyn Abbott, Gregory Abbott Jr. was standing in the door of the adjoining bathroom while his parents were sitting on their bed. The officers used excessive force against Gregory Abbott Jr. without even asking his parents if they felt threatened or if they needed assistance, nor did they attempt to talk to Gregory Abbott Jr.
Gregory Abbott Jr. said at no time did the defendants see or hear him threaten his parents in any way and their use of force was unjustified given the circumstances. The officers struck him, sprayed him with a chemical spray, used a TASER on him and kicked and stomped him.
Gregory Abbott Jr. is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is represented by James A. McKowen and James F. Humphreys of James Humphreys and Associates.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 21-C-276