TALLAHASSEE - A Leon County woman is suing Sheriff Walt McNeil, alleging she was forced into an ambulance by deputies and injured as a result of being dragged.
The suit was filed May 11 by attorney Patrick R. Frank on behalf of plaintiff Jennifer Kinard in Leon County Circuit Court.
The suit alleges that, on the morning of May 12, 2017, Kinard was parked at the Publix near Lake Ella in Tallahassee for the purpose of resting prior to driving home, and was reported as “suspicious” by an unknown individual. It alleges that she was questioned by responding deputies despite efforts to explain she had stopped to rest.
Kinard alleges that she was forcibly removed from her vehicle by deputies and dragged to an ambulance they had summoned, alleging that she appeared to be in need of medical assistance. She alleges multiple injuries from being dragged by deputies, including “horrendous abrasions to her leg which remain to this day,” as well as an ankle injury that prevented her from walking for months.
The suit also alleges that Kinard continues to require physical therapy and medication as a result of the incident.
Kinard is requesting a jury trial and seeking compensatory damages, interest, taxable costs and additional relief.