HOUSTON, TX – A dramatic low-speed chase involving an 18-wheeler on the East Freeway last December has taken a surprising legal turn. The driver, Trinidad Cutchshaw, is suing the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the county after his charges were dropped, alleging excessive force was used during his arrest.
The incident unfolded when deputies found Cutchshaw’s truck obstructing lanes. As they approached, the vehicle began moving at a crawl, never exceeding five miles per hour, for 45 minutes. Despite repeated orders to exit the truck, Cutchshaw remained inside until forcibly removed.
Following the chase, Cutchshaw was indicted on a felony charge of evading arrest. However, prosecutors later dismissed the charge. His attorney, Garrett Gibbons, argues that medical records demonstrate Cutchshaw was experiencing septic shock due to COVID-19, which left him disoriented.
The lawsuit claims that more than 100 SWAT officers used excessive force, including rubber bullets, tear gas, and K-9 units, resulting in Cutchshaw suffering permanent nerve damage. Gibbons contends that the deputies failed to assess the situation properly, leading to unnecessary violence.
A federal judge has denied the county’s motion to dismiss the case, which is now being reviewed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Gibbons believes the case may eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
The lawsuit seeks over $1 million in damages for what Gibbons describes as “deplorable conduct” by the deputies. The sheriff’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The outcome of the federal appeals court could set a significant precedent regarding law enforcement’s use of force in similar situations.