Slager Madry Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Following Catastrophic Injuries to Autistic 19-Year-Old During Waterford Police Encounter

STAMFORD, CT — Slager Madry LLC has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of Erin Beard, the Guardian of her son, Donovan Beard, against the Town of Waterford and seven officers of the Waterford Police Department, arising from an encounter that left the 19-year-old permanently paralyzed from the neck down.

Donovan, who was known by the police as having autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability, was 19 years old at the time of the September 8, 2024, incident. According to the complaint, Waterford Police Officers encountered Donovan while he was operating a motorized dirt bike and pursued him with multiple police vehicles.

The lawsuit alleges that, rather than utilizing appropriate de-escalation and apprehension techniques given Donovan’s known disabilities and vulnerabilities, officers instead pursued him to a private residence on Lakes Pond Road. There, one officer brought out a police K-9 while another officer drew his firearm, causing Donovan to become frightened and attempt to flee the situation. The lawsuit alleges the K-9 officer then positioned himself in Donovan’s path, causing Donovan to crash his motorbike head-first into a parked police cruiser.

According to the complaint, Donovan immediately exhibited signs of a serious spinal injury and repeatedly cried out that he was dying. Nonetheless, the lawsuit alleges, officers at the scene failed to immediately contact EMS or make any effort to stabilize Donovan’s neck and back. Instead, the lawsuit states, officers tazed Donavan while he was motionless and face down on the ground, rolled him over, dragged him across the pavement, and placed him in leg restraints, all without immobilizing his spine or promptly providing appropriate emergency medical care. Donovan was transported to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital before being airlifted to Yale-New Haven Hospital and later transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. He had a Type II odontoid fracture, a complete and unstable fracture of the cervical spine, resulting in permanent quadriplegia.

Today, Donovan is wheelchair-dependent and requires total assistance with activities of daily living. His injuries have fundamentally altered his life and will require lifelong care. The lawsuit asserts claims of excessive force, deliberate failure to provide medical assistance, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The family is seeking at least $50 million in compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. “The allegations in this case highlight serious problems involving police escalation and use of force, the duty to provide appropriate medical assistance, and the obligations of law enforcement when interacting with people who have significant disabilities,” said Joaquin Madry, an attorney for the Beard family. “Donovan posed no threat to anyone, but his life was forever changed during this encounter. We look forward to helping Donovan and his family find much needed accountability and justice.”

Attorney Paul Slager added, “Donovan should be walking today. Instead, he is permanently paralyzed and will require lifelong care, all because officers refused to use universally accepted de-escalation techniques or render appropriate first aid. After Donovan was seriously hurt with an unstable spinal fracture, officers should have made sure his neck was stable and protected and immediately called for medical assistance. “Instead,” Slager added, “they tased him, dragged him by his feet, and pulled him up, exactly the opposite of what police training and basic first aid principles require. No one should be surprised that this police conduct caused catastrophic injuries.

“Our goal in this case is not only to help provide the necessary financial resources to provide for Donovan’s costly future care, but also to highlight what happened in hopes of preventing other destructive police interactions in the future,” added Attorney Jillian Orticelli. The case is being handled by Joaquin Madry, Paul Slager, and Jillian Orticelli of Stamford’s Slager Madry LLC.

About Slager Madry LLC

Slager Madry LLC is a Connecticut law firm representing individuals and families statewide in significant personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, civil rights, and other complex litigation matters. The firm’s attorneys are committed to providing strong advocacy and compassionate representation to clients facing life-changing injuries and losses.