Imagine being locked in a hot van for hours, forgotten by those meant to protect you. That’s what happened to several inmates in Kalamazoo, leading to a shocking lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Office. One inmate’s escape led to injuries, and their fight for justice has just begun. What truly went wrong that day?
A disturbing federal lawsuit has cast a stark spotlight on the operations of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, alleging gross negligence and a blatant disregard for the well-being of inmates. The legal action, filed by Dominique Motton, details a harrowing incident where he and six other individuals were reportedly left abandoned for extended periods inside a scorching hot transport van within the confines of the Kalamazoo County Jail.
The ordeal, which occurred on May 12, began around 4:30 p.m. when deputies allegedly parked the van inside a secure garage. Motton’s complaint vividly describes a torturous three-hour confinement on what was characterized as a hot day, a duration significantly longer than the sheriff’s office would later acknowledge in its public statements.
During their prolonged entrapment, the lawsuit claims the inmates endured severe physical and psychological distress. Several individuals were allegedly forced to urinate and defecate on themselves due to the inability to access facilities, while one inmate suffered a panic attack that alarmingly persisted for a full twenty minutes.
Driven by desperation, Motton resorted to extreme measures to escape the dire situation. He recounts kicking out a window of the van before precariously climbing out head-first, all while still heavily restrained by leg shackles and belly chains. This perilous fall to the garage floor, as stated in his lawsuit, resulted in a concussion and significant facial injuries, highlighting the gravity of his ordeal and the risks he undertook.
Motton’s lawsuit broadly asserts that the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office violated his Eighth Amendment rights, specifically citing a deliberate indifference to the medical needs arising from the incident. He is now seeking substantial monetary compensation for the profound physical and emotional injuries sustained, alongside a request for his bond to be reduced to personal recognizance, underscoring his fight for justice and accountability.
In a subsequent press release issued two days after the incident, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office reported that inmates were trapped for “nearly two hours” and eventually used an intercom to call for assistance after breaking out of the van. Notably, this official statement omitted any mention of inmates being forced to relieve themselves or suffering serious injuries, a significant discrepancy from Motton’s detailed allegations.
The incident triggered an internal investigation by the sheriff’s office, which culminated in disciplinary actions against personnel involved. One deputy was terminated for violating written directives of the jail, while a jail sergeant faced demotion and was mandated to undergo additional training for similar infractions. Furthermore, two other deputies received counseling for their respective violations, indicating systemic failures within the facility’s oversight and procedural adherence.
This ongoing legal battle serves as a critical examination of institutional responsibilities and the profound impact of negligence on vulnerable populations. The lawsuit not only seeks redress for the immediate harm inflicted but also aims to bring about greater scrutiny and reform in the handling and care of inmates within correctional facilities like the Kalamazoo County Jail, ensuring such an oversight is not repeated.
