ORLANDO — A motorcyclist is suing the Orange County Sheriff's Office, alleging negligence, false arrest and imprisonment.
Pablo Torres filed a complaint Sept. 6 in 9th Orange County Circuit Court against the Orange County Sheriff's Office, alleging improper behavior during a traffic stop.
According to the complaint, on Feb. 9, 2017, Torres was operating his motorcycle in Orange County when one of his fellow cyclists was pulled over for a traffic infraction by deputy sheriff Anthony Shea. The suit says while waiting for Shea to complete his procedures, Torres and three other cyclists were asked by Orange County deputies to produce ID's. Torres says when his friend Andrew expressed discomfort with the officer's questions, the officer said, "I'll show you what uncomfortable is," and handcuffed Andrew, then arrested him, Pablo Torres and Torres' brother Anthony without a warrant.
The suit says they were imprisoned for the night.
Pablo Torres says he was caused damages, including a misdemeanor arrest record, incarceration, a permanent mugshot on the Internet, costs associated with hiring an attorney to defend his criminal charge, paying for his motorcycle to be removed from impound, the cost of posting a bond, embarrassment, humiliation, emotional harm and mental anguish.
The plaintiff alleges the Orange County Sheriff's Office failed their duty as sworn law enforcement officers to only arrest citizens for violations of the law.
Pablo Torres seeks trial by jury and damages of more than $15,000. He is represented by attorney Simon L. Wiseman of The Wiseman Law Firm in Orlando.
Orange County Circuit Court case number 18-CA-9679