Florida man left paralyzed after ride in police van files lawsuit against city officials

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – A homeless man left paralyzed after suffering an injury in a police van is suing the city of St. Petersburg, Florida. The family of Heriberto Alejandro Sanchez-Mayen has filed a federal lawsuit in the Middle District of Florida, citing police brutality and a violation of his civil rights. On June 8, 2023, Sanchez-Mayen was accused of trespassing by St. Pete police officer Sarah Gaddis, who is named in the lawsuit. Sanchez-Mayen’s attorneys allege he was detained illegally for sleeping in a vacant lot. He was...