On June 4, 2023, Deputy Berthelot conducted a traffic stop on Paul Hayes, citing a traffic violation that Hayes disputes. During the stop, Berthelot discovered a three-year-old misdemeanor warrant against Hayes. When Hayes sought clarification, Berthelot applied an ‘arm bar’ maneuver with sufficient force to break Hayes’s arm. Hayes filed a lawsuit on June 4, 2024, alleging excessive force and violations of Louisiana law requiring officers to inform arrestees about outstanding warrants. The lawsuit also accuses the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office of ratifying Berthelot’s conduct through its policies and customs. The case is ongoing, with Hayes seeking declaratory relief and compensatory damages for his injuries and emotional distress.
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