A Sacramento couple has filed a lawsuit against their neighbor, alleging a series of harassing and disruptive actions that have significantly impacted their quality of life. The complaint was filed by Darren Loft and Maureen Loft in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, on April 24, 2024, against Evan Pierce.
According to the complaint, the Lofts have been residents of Citrus Heights for nearly a decade and have actively participated in their community. Their troubles began when Pierce moved into the neighborhood in 2019. Initially attempting to welcome him, the relationship quickly soured when Pierce allegedly started using an empty lot adjacent to their property as a dirt racetrack in 2022. The plaintiffs claim that this activity created dust clouds, noxious fumes, and loud noises that made it impossible for them to enjoy their backyard. "Dust would choke Plaintiffs and Connor if they were out in the back yard," states the complaint.
The situation escalated when Darren confronted Pierce on July 21, 2022, asking him to stop creating "dust outs" with his race car. According to Darren, Pierce refused and even admitted that other neighbors had also asked him to stop but he had no intention of doing so. From that point on, Pierce allegedly began a campaign of harassment against the Lofts. This included firing paintballs at their home, launching fireworks late at night aimed at their property, stealing security cameras from their backyard, and using a bullhorn to make defamatory statements about Darren being a pedophile.
The plaintiffs allege multiple causes of action including private nuisance, public nuisance, trespass, conversion (theft), intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED), and defamation. They detail numerous incidents where Pierce's actions not only disrupted their lives but also caused significant emotional distress. For instance, Darren has been receiving counseling since February 2023 due to anxiety and stress caused by these events.
In terms of relief sought from the court, the Lofts are asking for general damages in an amount to be determined at trial, compensatory damages according to proof at trial time, punitive damages also determined at trial time, costs of suit, and any other relief deemed just and proper by the court.
The case is being handled by attorney Jon E. Rietveld II from Loomis-based Law Office of Jon E. Rietveld II, under Case ID: 24CV017694.