Man Files Federal Lawsuit After Being Left Paralyzed by Cop Who Claimed He Mistook Gun for Taser

The shooting took place in 2021, with the police department later saying the officer had "intended to deploy his taser" but instead fired his gun.

March 2, 2023

A man who was left paralyzed from the waist down after being shot by a police officer in Florida in 2021 has filed a federal lawsuit.

Per the office of attorney Ben Crump, who announced the lawsuit on Wednesday during a press conference with co-counsel attorney Hunter Shkolnik and attorney Sue-Ann Robinson, the suit against the City of Hollywood and involved officers points to the use of excessive force against Michael Ortiz in July 2021.

At the time, Ortiz had called 911 in the middle of what his attorneys say was a “mental health emergency.” When officers arrived, Crump’s office said, Ortiz was “aggressively restrained” and ultimately shot in the back. He’s now paralyzed from the waist down.

“Michael Ortiz needed a helping hand but what he got was a bullet to the back,” Crump said of his client’s lawsuit. “The video tells you everything you need to know about how unjustified this tragedy was, how unnecessary it was, and how there should have been greater accountability for the officer who shot and paralyzed him.”

As reported by regional outlet WTVJ, a previously released police statement saw the department alleging that an officer had “intended to deploy his taser” but instead fired his gun. Crump has addressed this statement, calling it an example of “reckless” behavior from law enforcement.

“How can a police officer make a mistake between a taser and a gun?” Crump asked. “If you are following your training, it doesn’t happen.”

The suit (available to read in full here) is seeking a jury trial and names the City of Hollywood, the Hollywood Police Department, the Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety Department, Henry Andrews, Jhonny Jimenez, and Diante Roots. According to Shkolnik, Ortiz now owes a local hospital an estimated $3 million in medical expenses to date.

“My life got destroyed,” Ortiz said.

Complex has reached out to Crump’s office, the Hollywood Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for comment. This story may be updated.