Disabled Passenger Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Police Officers and Prince George’s County Following Violent Encounter

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — A disabled Prince George’s County resident has filed a civil rights lawsuit against multiple Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officers and Prince George’s County following a disturbing incident that resulted in serious injuries and wrongful prosecution.

The lawsuit, filed today in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, details how Plaintiff, a disabled individual with a valid Metro Smart Access card, was physically assaulted by MTPD officers and wrongfully charged with fare evasion despite having proper fare documentation.

According to the complaint, on December 11, 2023, Plaintiff was confronted by plainclothes MTPD Officer Castro on a Metro bus. Despite immediately presenting his valid disabled rider Metro card, Officer Castro demanded Plaintiff exit the bus, under threat of being maced. When Plaintiff attempted to comply, Officer Henderson shoved him from behind, causing Plaintiff to strike his head on the bus’s glass panel before being forcefully pushed to the ground. The assault was so severe that Plaintiff required emergency medical transport and may need hip replacement surgery.

“This case represents a shocking abuse of power against a disabled individual who had done nothing wrong,” said Kim Parker, counsel for Plaintiff. “Not only was the Plaintiff physically assaulted while legally riding public transportation, but he was then maliciously prosecuted for fare evasion despite having a valid Metro card.”

The lawsuit alleges multiple civil rights violations, including:

• Battery and Assault by MTPD officers
• Malicious Prosecution
• Gross Negligence
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
• Negligence

The criminal charges against Plaintiff were dismissed on April 2, 2024, after the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office proceeded with prosecution without obtaining any corroborating evidence, including readily available surveillance footage or electronic fare records that would have proven Plaintiff’s innocence.

The defendants named in the lawsuit include MTPD Officers Castro, Henderson, and Barreto, Sergeant Rich, and Prince George’s County Government.

Case caption – Wilson vs. PG County, Circuit Court Case No.: C-16-CV-24-005667