Couple Sue in Alleged Police Error, Assault
A Ventura couple are suing the city, claiming that police assaulted, handcuffed and pointed guns at them while responding to an erroneous report of a suicidal person at their San Pedro Street home.
In the suit, Robert and Roberta Daversa contend they were the victims of excessive force by officers at their small house opposite San Buenaventura State Beach on Aug. 28, 1995.
The incident began when a telephone operator allegedly received a call from a potentially suicidal person, according to documents filed in Superior Court.
Police incorrectly believed the call came from the Daversa home and “violently assaulted, battered and unlawfully detained†the couple while investigating, the lawsuit said. The couple are also suing Pacific Bell and Pacific Telesis for allegedly negligently determining the address that corresponded with the telephone number the operator provided to police.
Neither the Daversas nor their attorney could be reached for comment. City officials said they were unaware of the lawsuit and declined further comment. Police declined to release a report related to the incident.
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