A Western North Carolina man has filed a lawsuit against a Sheriff's Office there claiming they used excessive force. The suit claims that in 2024, The Henderson County Sheriff's Office and other 1st responders were dispatched to a fire at the home of Hubert Lee Allen. The litigation claims Allen was in a camper in front of his house bit moved to his vehicle as crews worked to contain the fire.
Two deputies arrived at the scene and determined Allen had an outstanding warrant. Allen was ordered to get out of the car but didn't immediately comply. The two deputies then reportedly removed him forcibly. Allen resisted being removed, he claims in the suit he was having a mental health crisis. The litigation claims that Allen was then tased and beaten by the two deputies. Allen claims he suffered significant injuries during the incident and says he was hospitalized for about 6 weeks.
The Sheriff's Office has responded to the lawsuit and their statement claims force was used during Allen's arrest which always triggers an internal review. The statement goes onto to say "the characterization of this incident as a beating and tasing is objectionable". The Sheriff's Office says they can't elaborate any further, as litigation is still pending. The Deputies involved are said to still be employed by the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.
