title
WILLIAM TROTTER, JR. VS. TONY JONES IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS CHIEF OF POLICE OF GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA; OFFICER TONY FERRO, INDIVIDUALLY; AND OFFICER JOHN DOE, INDIVIDUALLY; COURT CASE NO. 1:17-CV-53 (B)
recommendation
The City Commission authorize special counsel since insurance coverage is available to separately represent the City and the individual officers in the case styled William Trotter, Jr. vs. Tony Jones in his Official Capacity as Chief of Police of Gainesville, Florida; Officer Tony Ferro, Individually; and Officer John Doe, Individually; Court Case No. 1:17-CV-53.
explanation
On March 3, 2017, Plaintiff William Trotter filed a Complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida against the City of Gainesville, Officer Tony Ferro, and an additional unnamed officer. On April 5, 2017, Officer Ferro and Chief Jones were served with a Summons and Complaint. Mr. Trotter was arrested by Officer Ferro in 2014 on charges of resisting arrest without violence. Mr. Trotter alleges there was no probable cause for the arrest and search and that excessive force was used, resulting in a violation of his constitutional rights. He claims to have suffered bodily injuries, pain and suffering, and other compensatory damages. Mr. Trotter is seeking compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorney�s fees.