Seattle‑based civil‑rights lawyer Evan Oshan announced Thursday, Nov. 12, that he has filed a claim for damages against the City of Auburn on behalf of his client, Mauro Alberto Felix Valles. The claim alleges that Auburn Police Officer Andrew Bryant used excessive force during an Oct. 28 incident on Auburn Way North near 37th Street NE.
Details of the alleged assault
According to the filing, Officer Bryant first discharged his Taser, striking Valles in the left upper abdomen. The victim fell to the pavement and, while lying on his back, was straddled by the officer. The claim states Bryant then punched Valles in the head and face at least two dozen times.
Bystanders shouted for the officer to stop, but the filing says he continued the assault. Valles, who speaks Spanish and does not understand English, was recorded by the officer’s body‑worn camera, the patrol vehicle camera, a city traffic camera, and multiple eyewitnesses.
Injuries and medical treatment
The claim lists a concussion (mild traumatic brain injury), facial contusions, additional body contusions, and a Taser‑dart wound to the abdomen. Valles was taken from the scene by ambulance and hospitalized. He continues to experience pain, confusion, fear, and emotional distress, and his treatment is ongoing. The damages sought include past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
City and law‑enforcement response
The City of Auburn placed Officer Bryant on administrative leave immediately after the incident. Renton Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation to determine whether any state laws were violated. The city’s own internal investigation will review compliance with department policies and standards.
In a separate development, the Auburn City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the criminal charges previously filed against Valles without prejudice on Nov. 5, leaving open the possibility of future charges related to alleged possession of a controlled substance, disorderly conduct, obstruction, and third‑degree attempted assault.
Legal actions beyond the claim
In addition to the civil claim, Oshan & Associates has filed civil‑rights complaints with the Washington Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The firm has also asked the Criminal Justice Training Commission to revoke Officer Bryant’s certification.
“Mauro was on his back in the road, and the officer kept punching him in the face while his head hit the concrete,” Oshan said in a press release. “The City of Auburn is on notice that it will answer for what its officer did.”
Public reaction and video evidence
A portion of the incident went viral on social‑media platforms, prompting the Auburn Police Department to release the full body‑cam, dash‑cam, and street‑camera footage. Community members have expressed outrage over the apparent use of unnecessary force, while city officials emphasize the ongoing investigations and the importance of due process.
The case underscores the need for transparent policing practices and reinforces the community’s expectation that law‑enforcement officers act within the bounds of the law and respect the dignity of every individual, regardless of language ability.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
