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Ohio Father Sues for $25 Million After Son’s Death, Deputy’s Fatality
Rodney L. Hinton, an Ohio father facing charges for allegedly striking a deputy with his vehicle after his son’s death in a police shooting, has initiated a federal civil lawsuit seeking $25 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges misconduct by law enforcement officials following the tragic events.
Details of the Lawsuit
Hinton submitted the legal action on Thursday, shortly after a bond hearing where a judge mandated his detention regarding the death of Hamilton County Special Deputy Larry Henderson. The suit underwent revisions on Monday.
The lawsuit alleges that, following his arrest on May 2, Hinton endured physical abuse, resulting in him appearing “visibly beaten” during his recent court appearance. It further asserts that the presence of numerous law enforcement officers during the hearing created an atmosphere designed to instill dread, surveillance, and intimidation.
Criminal Charges and Allegations
Hinton entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday to accusations including two counts of aggravated murder, one count of murder, and two counts of felonious assault, according to WLWT, an NBC affiliate in Cincinnati.
His lawsuit cites unlawful imprisonment, claiming he was “detained unlawfully, without due process, and without a valid conviction,” alongside other allegations such as:
- Conspiracy to deprive rights
- Intimidation
- Excessive force
- Emotional distress
- Breach of oath of office
Damages Sought in the Civil Suit
The legal action seeks $5 million in compensatory damages in addition to $20 million in punitive damages. Named as defendants are the state, the Cincinnati Police Department, and the Hamilton County Sheriff.
Official Responses
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has stated it has “no comment on pending litigation.” The other defendants have yet to provide a response regarding the matter.
Background of the Incident
Authorities claim Hinton intentionally struck Henderson on May 2 while the deputy was managing traffic in the vicinity of the University of Cincinnati amidst graduation ceremonies. Henderson, who had retired approximately five months prior and was serving as a special deputy that day, succumbed to his injuries at a local medical center.
Statements from Bond Hearing
Hinton’s State of Mind
During last week’s bond proceeding, Cincinnati Police Officer Carl Beebe testified that Hinton had watched body camera footage depicting the police shooting involving his son just prior to the vehicular incident. Family members indicated he was “upset” and “agitated” after viewing the video, leading to concerns regarding his ability to drive.
Events Leading to the Incident
Due to these concerns, relatives transported Hinton from the station, but he later went back to retrieve his vehicle from the parking area, the officer reported. From there, Hinton drove in the direction of the university and purportedly paused before allegedly “accelerating quickly…through the intersection where Deputy Henderson was standing,” Beebe noted during the court hearing.
The vehicle impacted both the deputy and a utility pole, according to Beebe, who stated there was no indication that Hinton made any attempts to stop. The officer added that Henderson was “launched several feet through the air” and “came to rest in a turn lane several feet from where the collision occurred.”
Connection to Son’s Shooting
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge previously communicated that a definitive link existed between the vehicular collision and the May 1 fatal shooting of Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton.
Details of the Son’s Shooting
According to authorities, the teenager was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer responding to a complaint of a stolen vehicle at an apartment complex. The police chief indicated that four individuals within the suspected stolen vehicle fled upon approach by law enforcement.
Two officers pursued Ryan Hinton and another individual, officials said. Theetge asserted that Ryan Hinton was armed. A firearm was recovered at the scene, authorities confirmed.
Investigation Findings
The officer discharged his weapon at least four times, Theetge stated. She believes the 18-year-old sustained two gunshot wounds, one to the chest and another to the arm.