An Arizona father, Sergio Nino II, has filed a $500,000 lawsuit against the city of Phoenix and three police officers, alleging that they encouraged him to physically discipline his son during a tense encounter at their home. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2024, escalated into a violent confrontation resulting in injuries to the teenager, Sergio Nino III, who was subsequently arrested for aggravated assault.
The lawsuit claims that the officers, identified as Christopher Gre, Blake Willer, and Matthew Smith, provided alarming advice to Nino II when he called them to report his son’s disobedience. The father expressed concerns about his son’s troubling behavior, including skipping school and alleged substance use. However, instead of guiding him towards appropriate disciplinary measures, the officers reportedly suggested that he “beat” his son, with one officer stating, “If you wish to belt him, belt him,” and assuring him that the boy had “no rights from you.”
Body camera footage from the officers captures the chaotic moments leading to the alleged assault. The confrontation began when they attempted to speak with the 16-year-old, who had locked himself in his room. As tensions heightened, the officers forcibly detained Sergio III, who reportedly sustained a 3 cm laceration to his chin and a fractured wrist during the arrest. The lawsuit details how Sergio screamed in pain during the incident, claiming that the handcuffs were too tight and cutting off his circulation, yet officers dismissed his pleas.
In addition to excessive force, the lawsuit raises serious concerns about the officers’ handling of allegations of child abuse. Sergio III reportedly told the officers that he was a victim of abuse at the hands of his father, but these claims were allegedly ignored. The lawsuit states that the officers failed to act as mandatory reporters of child abuse, which they are legally obligated to do. Instead, they allegedly suggested that the father had the right to physically discipline his son.
The incident has drawn significant public attention, not only for the disturbing nature of the allegations but also because of the officers’ previous conduct. The lawsuit notes prior complaints against Officer Willer for his aggressive tactics, including an incident where he pushed a 14-year-old girl to the ground and ignored a father’s pleas regarding his daughter’s mental health issues.
Sergio Nino III’s lawyer stated that the charges of aggravated assault against the teenager were eventually dropped and that relations between father and son have improved since the incident. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, and as of now, no formal response has been filed by the defendants.
The Phoenix Police Department has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, but the allegations raise critical questions about police conduct and accountability in handling domestic situations. Advocates for reform are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and the policies guiding police interactions with minors and families in distress. As this case progresses, it is expected to spark conversations on the appropriate role of law enforcement in familial disputes and child welfare.
