SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the City of Spokane Valley and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office following an incident on Aug. 15, 2023, involving Kevin Hinton.
The lawsuit alleges that working as a Spokane Valley Police officer, unlawfully detained Hinton and used excessive force, resulting in serious injuries.
According to the lawsuit, although Spokane Valley contracts with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for police services, it hasn’t implemented independent oversight or policies for its officers. Despite maintaining distinct police insignia and patrol vehicles, the City of Spokane Valley is accused of failing to ensure proper training, supervision, and discipline for its officers.
The case references a previous judicial opinion by Judge George Fearing, who had criticized the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department’s handling of police encounters. The lawsuit argues that these criticisms are relevant to Hilton’s actions in the current incident.
The lawsuit claims that despite , the Sheriff’s Department reportedly approved Hilton’s actions. It contends that neither the Spokane Valley Police Department nor the Sheriff’s Office has taken significant steps to address the situation or implement changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Hinton’s legal team seeks to address the alleged constitutional rights violations and advocate for measures to ensure accountability and proper conduct within local law enforcement.
Hilton was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 29, 2023, after Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels was informed of the alleged excessive use of force that occurred on Aug. 14.
At the time of the incident, Hinton was parked at Terrace View Park, resting before continuing his planned drive to Colfax. Hilton approached Hinton and informed him that it was illegal to be parked in that area late at night. When asked for identification, Hinton refused. He was then allegedly arrested with excessive force, resulting in eight shattered ribs and a punctured lung.
, the Spokane County Jail refused to book him for resisting arrest. Hilton claimed he detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and saw a knife in the vehicle’s side door.
