Ling V. Campbell County, Tennessee Et Al

Case Background

On June 01, 2020, a civil rights action was initiated against Campbell County, Tennessee for failure to train staff to prevent abuse and provide needed medical assistance to jail detainees. The action was filed before the United States District Court, Tennessee Eastern (Knoxville) seeking damages for the life-altering injuries inflicted on Nathan Ling while in detention. The case was assigned to District Judge Charles E Atchley, Jr and referred to Magistrate Judge Jill E McCook. [Case number: 3:20cv233]

Cause

On June 1, 2019, a 911 call was made about a suspicious vehicle. Deputy Crabtree and other Campbell County Sheriff’s Department officers responded, locating the vehicle with Nathan Ling, Kaitlyn McDaniel, and Jaevon Dayshawn Jones inside. During the investigation, officers discovered the vehicle was stolen in Michigan. McDaniel admitted she took it without permission. Additionally, Ling had active felony warrants in Michigan. A deputy tried to arrest him, but Ling attempted to flee. After being apprehended, EMS evaluated Ling but he became combative. After medical clearance, Deputy Crabtree transported Ling to the Campbell County Correction Center around 12:30 a.m. on June 2, 2019. Handcuffed behind his back, Ling was roughly removed from the cruiser by Crabtree, who threw him towards the floor. Crabtree then shoved Ling against the wall and door. Inside the intake area, Crabtree, Correctional Officer Joshua Miller, and Corporal Sean Brown positioned Ling facing the intake counter. Crabtree forcefully slammed Ling’s head against the counter and window frame. Ling was then handed over to Miller and Brown. As he attempted to rise, they, along with Crabtree, violently slammed him to the floor. Despite Ling not resisting, Crabtree struck him in the face, causing a nosebleed. Cra