Johnathan Koehl, 45, of Belmont, Injured Following Arrest Involving San Mateo County Police Officers In Belmont and Menlo Park

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (October 15, 2023) – A 45-year-old man identified as Johnathan Koehl was injured in San Mateo County after a struggle with police officers.

San Mateo County officials are saying that the incident began around 3:13 a.m. on Saturday. Officers were called to the 2100 block of Ralston Avenue after getting a report about a domestic disturbance.

The suspect who was later identified as Johnathan Koehl reportedly fled in a car. But he later stopped about 1/2 mile away following a police pursuit.

Officers put the suspect into restraints. A struggle ensued and the man sustained a head injury in the process. Paramedics took him to the hospital so that he could receive treatment.

Johnathan Koehl left the hospital in his own on Saturday before turning up in Menlo Park. Police officers got a report about a man acting erratically and running in and out of traffic.

After a brief struggle, he was subdued with less-lethal measures and arrested. He was initially taken back to the hospital before being booked in San Mateo County Jail.

 

Liability For Injuries Involving Police Officers

Thousands of people are seriously injured every year while being arrested by police officers. According to the Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project, “In the U.S. during a given year, an estimated 1 million civilians experience police threat of or use of force resulting in a conservative estimate of 85,000 non-fatal injuries requiring hospital treatment and 600-1000 deaths. Both Black/African-Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are twice as likely to experience threat of or use of force during police initiated contact (Bureau of Justice Statistics).” People can be injured in a variety of ways during police encounters.

• Police officers may hit a suspect that was already restrained or subdued.
• Police officers may hit a suspect with their vehicle.
• Police officers may shoot a suspect that was attempting to flee.
• Police officers may use illegal chokeholds to restrain a suspect.

Police officers must always use the least amount of force necessary when dealing with the public. A police department can be liable for the excessive force of one of their officers. Pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of any statute, law or ordinance, causes a citizen of the United States to be deprived of their rights secured by the constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. Victims of police encounters tend to suffer very serious injuries including:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries

Head injuries tend to be the most difficult to treat and consequential. According to Chandi Edmonds, assistant professor at Feinberg, “The lifetime costs of a patient’s treatment for a traumatic brain injury are estimated to run from $85,000 to $3 million.” Sadly, though, police departments will do everything that they can to deny responsibility if one of their officers injures someone. Any person that is injured due to the excessive force of police officers may have legal recourse through a constitutional claim.

 

Getting Legal Help After San Mateo County Police Brutality

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our best wishes to Johnathan Koehl. It is our sincere hope that he is able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. Steps need to be taken to prevent similar incidents down the road.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured during an arrest in San Mateo County? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to getting victims of police brutality the compensation and justice that they are owed under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.