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The attorney for the man repeatedly punched by a Auburn Police officer has filed a claim for damages against the city of Auburn on behalf of his client Mauro Alberto Felix Valles.
Attorney Evan Oshan, who also has called for the city to terminate Auburn Police Officer Andrew Bryant, announced the filing Thursday, Nov. 12.
In the claim, Oshan described the 3:20 p.m. Oct. 28 incident along Auburn Way North near 37th Street NE.
“Auburn Police Officer Andrew Bryant, while on duty, fired his Taser at claimant on Auburn Way North near 37th Street NE, according to the claim. “A Taser dart struck claimant in the left upper abdomen, and he fell to the pavement. Officer Bryant then straddled claimant, who was on his back in the roadway, and punched him in the head and face at least two dozen times.
“Bystanders repeatedly yelled that claimant was on the ground and for Officer Bryant to stop. He did not stop. The force was unnecessary and excessive. Claimant speaks Spanish and does not speak or understand English. The incident was recorded by Officer Bryant’s body-worn camera, his patrol vehicle camera, a City traffic camera, and witnesses and bystanders.”
Auburn has placed Bryant on administrative leave. Renton Police are conducting a criminal investigation and the city of Auburn is conducting a separate, internal investigation, according to a Nov. 10 email from a city of Auburn spokesperson. Renton Police will determine whether the officer may have violated any criminal laws. The city of Auburn will review the incident for compliance with applicable policies and standards.
Oshan described the injuries to Felix Valles in the claim.
“Claimant suffered a concussion (mild traumatic brain injury), contusions to the face, multiple other contusions, and a Taser dart wound to the left upper abdomen,” according to the filing. “He was taken from the scene by ambulance and hospitalized. He continues to have pain, confusion, fear, and emotional distress. Treatment is ongoing. His damages include past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.”
Osman released photos and a injury chart of Felix Valles to show his injuries.
In addition the damage claim against the city of Auburn, Oshan & Associates has filed civil rights complaints with the Washington Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and has asked the Criminal Justice Training Commission to revoke Officer Bryant’s certification.
“Mauro was on his back in the road, and the officer kept punching him in the face while his head hit the concrete,” Oshan, a Seattle civil rights attorney said in a press release. “Today (No. 12) the City of Auburn is on notice that it will answer for what its officer did.”
Following a viral video on social media sites of a portion of the incident, the Auburn Police Department released the body cam, dash cam and street footage capturing the entirety of the incident.
The City of Auburn’s Prosecutor’s Office announced Nov. 5 it has dismissed the charges against Felix Valles without prejudice, meaning it could file charges at a later date. Officers had booked Felix Valles for investigation of non-felony possession of controlled substance, disorderly conduct, obstruction and third-degree attempted assault, according to police.
