San Antonio jury awards $7 million to man paralyzed after beating by police

A federal jury on Thursday awarded $7 million to man left paralyzed after a beating he received from San Antonio police officers who mistook him for a suspect they were pursuing, the Express-News reports. 

On May 20, 2014, three SAPD officers tackled, struck and kicked Rogelio “Roger” Carlos III as he snapped photos at the construction site of his family’s pediatric clinic in far West San Antonio. Carlos had surgery a year later to combat pain that continued after his assault, and a complication left him a quadriplegic, according to the daily.

Three San Antonio police officers were involved in the assault: an undercover officer identified as Detective John Doe and two SWAT officers, Carlos Chavez and Virgilio Gonzalez, the Express-News reports.

This spring, a federal jury determined that Doe and Chavez used excessive force in violation of Carlos’ civil rights, according to the paper. However, the panel also determined that Gonzalez’s involvement in the incident didn’t cross a red line.

As a result of the court case from earlier this year, neither Doe nor Chavez are shielded by qualified immunity, a doctrine that protects law-enforcement officials from individual liability.

Thursday’s jury decision concluded a second trial that began Oct. 28 to determine how much compensation Carlos could collect due to the assault, according to the Express-News. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery presided over both trials.

During the latest trial, witnesses told jurors that Carlos, a father of three, was unable to continue employment as an American Airlines fleet service worker after his paralysis, the daily reports. Although he’s regained some movement in his arms, he must live with his sister under 24-hour care, according to testimony.

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This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2024.