LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The family of a pre-trial detainee at a California jail who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest claims he was denied prompt medical treatment.
The Estate of Aaron Smith, by and through successor in interest Lydia Smith, and others filed a complaint Aug. 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Hemet Police Department, City of Hemet and others, alleging violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, wrongful death and other claims.
According to the complaint, Aaron Smith was arrested on Sept. 7, 2022, for alleged minor trespassing. The plaintiffs claim that Hemet police officers used excessive force while detaining and arresting Smith, including using a police K-9 who bit him several times.
It further claims Smith went into cardiac arrest and showed signs of a medical emergency with the defendants failing to furnish medical care. It also claims despite his medical emergency, Smith was booked into the jail.
The plaintiff claims after Smith was found unconscious in his cell, paramedics were finally called but were unable to resuscitate Smith, who was pronounced dead on Sept. 7, 2022. It claims Smith's body showed signs of trauma, including being covered in bruises, head welts and dog bites.
The plaintiff seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. It is represented by Christian Contreras of The Law Offices of Christian Contreras in Los Angeles and Humberto Guizar of The Law Offices of Humberto Guizar in Montebello.