SAN FRANCISCO -- Salvador Luis Valle filed a federal complaint on August 3 in the Northern District of California against the County of Contra Costa and some of its law enforcement officers for alleged civil rights violations.
Other defendants are Michael Polen, Sonasi Maka, Michael Santos and David Cruz. According to the complaint, on November 28, 2020, at approximately 6:28 p.m. in the City of San Pablo, Valle alleges that Polen unnecessarily and inappropriately struck Valle's face three times in closed-fist fashion after Valle had been handcuffed and/or while his arms were held behind him by Maka, Cruz and/or Santos.
Valle also alleges that he was subjected to excessive and unlawful force and Polen, Maka, Cruz and Santos knew their actions were unlawful and that Valle had the Constitutional right to be free from excessive force.
Valle allegedly sustained physical injury, fear, anger, frustration, worry, anxiety, emotional and mental distress, and economic and non-economic damages.
Valle seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, all damages, penalties, costs, interest, and attorneys’ fees; injunctive and declaratory relief. Valle is represented by Panos Lagos.
U.S. District Court Northern District of California case number 3:21-cv-05991-TSH