Teen Subjected to Police Abuse Files $500,000 Claim Against City of Phoenix and Officers
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Notice of Claim has been filed against the City of Phoenix and three Phoenix Police Department officers after a shocking incident in which officers encouraged a father to physically abuse his teenage son, then proceeded to assault the teen themselves, causing severe injuries.
The claim, filed by civil rights attorney Larry Wulkan of Zwillinger Wulkan PLC, seeks $500,000 in damages on behalf of Sergio Nino III who was 16-years-old at the time of the assault.
The incident occurred on January 23, 2024, when the officers responded to a call at Sergio’s home. The officers advised Mr. Nino, Sergio’s father, to “beat” his son, drag him, throw him onto the streets, and treat him like garbage — statements that were captured on the officers’ body camera footage. Despite their duty as mandatory reporters under Arizona law, the officers ignored and dismissed multiple reports of child abuse from both Sergio and his sister.
The situation escalated when the officers demanded Sergio hand over his phone. When Sergio questioned the officers’ authority to seize his property, they threatened to handcuff him for being a “brat.” When Sergio attempted to record the encounter, Officer Willer abruptly snatched his phone away. As Sergio instinctively turned toward the officer, he was tackled to the ground, sustaining a fractured wrist and a deep facial laceration that required stitches. Officers chastised Nino, telling him that “you touch us, that means you go to the hospital.”
Despite Sergio pleading with the officers more than 25 times that the handcuffs they put on him were too tight, officers refused to loosen them, only relenting when a nurse at the hospital where Sergio was taken to have his injuries treated insisted. Medical records confirmed that Sergio suffered a fractured wrist that required surgery, as well as permanent scarring on his face.
“This is yet another horrifying example of Phoenix Police officers violating the rights of a young person instead of protecting them,” said Larry Wulkan, the attorney representing Sergio. “Telling a father to beat his son, ignoring mandatory reporting obligations, then violently assaulting that child for asserting his rights is not policing — it’s abuse.”
The Notice of Claim, a required step before filing a lawsuit, outlines a clear violation of constitutional rights, excessive force, and deliberate indifference to Sergio’s injuries. If the City does not resolve the claim, a federal lawsuit will be filed against the City of Phoenix and the involved officers.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
- Larry Wulkan
- Zwillinger Wulkan PLC
- Phone: (602) 962-0089
- Email: larry.wulkan@zwfirm.com
- Website: https://www.zwfirm.com
About Zwillinger Wulkan
Zwillinger Wulkan LLP is a premier law firm specializing in complex commercial litigation, civil rights litigation, personal injury litigation, and appellate advocacy. With a dedication to excellence, innovation, and community impact, Zwillinger Wulkan delivers outstanding legal services to its clients.
