Police Allegedly Handcuffed Ala. Man So Tightly His Hand Had to Be Amputated: Lawsuit

Mar. 15, 2025

Giovanni Loyola.Photo:Jon Goldfarb

Jon Goldfarb

An Alabama police officer allegedly handcuffed a man’s wrist so tightly that it had to be amputated, the man claimed in a 2021 lawsuit that is now headed to trial, per reports.

According to the complaint, Giovanni Loyola was in his Pinson, Ala., home in February 2020 when deputies Christopher Godber, Ashanti McKinney and Jared White came to his door regarding complaints alleging that two men were fighting and had weapons.

The complaint disputes that there was a fight. It alleges that when Loyola answered the door, Godber dragged him down steps and slammed him against a car before throwing him to the ground.

The complaint further alleges that Godber repeatedly punched Loyola’s face, and handcuffed him “extremely tightly,” while “grinding his knee” on his back.

The complaint says Godber eventually loosened the handcuffs, and Loyola was taken to jail. AL.com reports he was charged with disorderly conduct/disturbing the peace and resisting arrest. The disposition of those charges was not immediately clear.

When Loyola was released from jail a few days later, he sought medical help because he was experiencing “tremendous pain” in his left wrist, per the complaint. Doctors referred him for emergency surgery, citing a problem with blood flow to his left hand.

During his hospital stay, Loyola had graying fingertips, swelling and excruciating pain that would wake him up at night, the complaint claims.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama.Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department/ Facebook

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department/ Facebook

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The complaint further accuses McKinney, one of the responding officers, of covering his body camera and not intervening.

The incident caused Loyola “irreparable injury,” in addition to emotional and mental distress, as well as loss of income, the complaint claims.

Loyola is requesting punitive damages against Godber and McKinney, as well as attorney fees, litigation expenses and an order to deter Godber and McKinney from “harassment and intimidation” of the victim.

The trial is set to begin on April 15,AL.comreported.

source: people.com