CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A Wyoming resident has filed a lawsuit against two deputies after he and his mother were stunned and arrested during a welfare check last year.
Cheyenne resident Devin Bryant filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court claiming Laramie County sheriff’s deputies Jason Gillott and Ryan Lee violated his Fourth Amendment rights and acted negligently, The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported Thursday.
The lawsuit alleges the deputies removed Bryant from his home in Jan. 28, 2020 before 3 a.m. and stunned him and his mother “without legal justification.” It also claims Bryant was injured in the encounter.
Gillott and Lee checked on Bryant after his estranged wife called the authorities about an email Bryant sent saying he had cut himself.
The lawsuit was amended Wednesday to include the Laramie County board of commissioners in the negligence charges, alleging the board is liable for wrongful acts committed by its peace officers.
The lawsuit seeks a trial to prove the claims, damages, attorney fees and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Deputy Jeff Barnes said the department was aware of the lawsuit but could not comment on ongoing litigation. Both Gillott and Lee are currently employed with the department. When asked about the department’s response to welfare checks, Barnes said the deputies respond with safety in mind.
Commissioner Chairman Gunnar Malm also said he could not comment on pending litigation.
Bryant and his mother were arrested and charged with interference with a peace officer, before the charges were dropped in April, court records show.
Devon Walter Petersen, an attorney representing Bryant, said footage of the encounter as described in the lawsuit were provided to him and his client by the Laramie County District Attorney’s office.
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