News Summary
A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Las Vegas marshals following a violent encounter with local resident Tim McCoy. The lawsuit alleges assault, excessive force, and false imprisonment after Tim was tackled without cause. The incident has sparked concerns about racial profiling and law enforcement practices in the city. Recorded footage and conflicting reports raise serious questions about the marshals’ actions and decision-making prior to this encounter. The outcome of the case could significantly affect community relations and highlight ongoing issues within the Las Vegas Marshals.
Las Vegas – A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Las Vegas marshals following a violent encounter with local resident Tim McCoy, who was tackled by the marshals on November 11, 2023. The lawsuit claims assault and battery, excessive force, unlawful arrest, and false imprisonment stemming from the incident, which has raised serious concerns regarding potential racial profiling.
Tim McCoy, along with his sister Alissa King and her boyfriend Kenny Kennedy, was in the Neonopolis parking garage near the Fremont Street Experience for dinner when the confrontation occurred. The incident escalated when marshals approached them, alleging that Tim had made threatening hand gestures directed at police. Confused by the accusation, Tim was unaware of any gestures before the marshals violently tackled him from behind as he attempted to walk away.
Alissa King recorded the altercation on her cell phone, fearing for her brother’s safety during the confrontation. Surveillance footage revealed a black Dodge Durango making the alleged threatening gestures shortly before McCoy and his group arrived, and confusion ensued due to the similarity between Tim’s appearance and that of the Durango driver, particularly in their shared dreadlocks.
Attorney George Robinson is representing Tim, Alissa, and Kenny in the federal lawsuit. According to the claims, Tim suffered physical injuries during the encounter, which included being struck multiple times while detained and being pulled by his hair. While marshals state they informed Tim of his detention, a malfunction in their body cameras resulted in a lack of audio evidence to support this claim.
Ultimately, Tim McCoy was cited for obstructing police but was not arrested. Kenny Kennedy was arrested and charged with battery on an officer, but those charges were later dismissed when evidence showed significant misrepresentations in the marshals’ reports.
The official response from law enforcement has drawn scrutiny, especially noting racial bias in the marshals’ assessments of Tim and Kenny. The lawsuit points out that the marshals acted without concrete evidence, leading to unauthorized detentions and the application of excessive force in what should have been a routine inquiry.
Mayor Shelley Berkley defended the actions of the marshals, labeling the lawsuits as frivolous and reiterating confidence in their law enforcement practices. This incident is not an isolated case; it reflects ongoing issues with the conduct of the Las Vegas Marshals, as multiple lawsuits have been filed against them in recent months, bringing to light concerns about policing tactics and accountability.
The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact community relations and the operational protocols of the Las Vegas Marshals moving forward, as public interest remains high regarding the implications of excessive force and racial profiling in law enforcement.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Vegas: Las Vegas City Marshals Facing Another Civil Rights Lawsuit
- KTNV: Nationwide Manhunt Ends After Child Sexual Assault Predator is Arrested in Las Vegas
- Fox 5 Vegas: New Class Action Lawsuit Accuses Las Vegas City Marshals of Unlawful Arrests
- ABC 7: Las Vegas Marshal Radio Traffic Audio Judge Attacked in Courtroom
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Law
- Google Search: Las Vegas Marshals lawsuit
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
