A shocking incident involving an alleged wrongful arrest has led to a lawsuit filed against the State of California, the City of Citrus Heights, and others. June Caruso filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento on December 16, 2024, accusing D. Rusv and other unnamed defendants of unlawful conduct.
According to the complaint, June Caruso was driving to San Juan Mercy Hospital in Carmichael on November 16, 2023, when she was stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer identified as D. Rusv. The officer allegedly pulled her over with emergency lights flashing and approached her vehicle with a drawn handgun. This aggressive action caused Caruso significant distress as she had never experienced such treatment before. Additional officers surrounded her car with guns drawn, further escalating her fear and anxiety.
Caruso claims that after complying with all orders given by Officer Rusv, she was handcuffed and placed in the back of his patrol car despite informing him of her claustrophobia and anxiety issues. She was told that her vehicle had been reported stolen—a claim she vehemently denied since she had owned it for over four years with no prior issues regarding its registration or license plates.
The complaint details how Caruso's rights were allegedly violated under the Bane Act (California Civil Code §52.1), which protects individuals from threats or coercion that interfere with their constitutional rights. The lawsuit accuses Officer Rusv and others of using intimidation tactics without just cause, prolonging Caruso's detention unnecessarily even after verifying her vehicle's registration matched her license plate.
Caruso is seeking compensatory damages for mental anguish and emotional distress caused by this ordeal. She also requests punitive damages against Officer Rusv and other involved parties for their malicious actions intended to cause harm without regard for her rights or safety.
The case highlights allegations of negligence in hiring and supervision practices by both the State of California and the City of Citrus Heights regarding their law enforcement personnel. Caruso argues that these entities failed to adequately train their officers on proper procedures during traffic stops, leading to violations of citizens' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Attorney Mark A. Thiel represents June Caruso in this matter before Judge [Name] under Case ID 2a4cesfO25576 at the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County.