Turlock man files claim alleging excessive force by deputies at Stanislaus fair
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Turlock man filed a government claim alleging deputies used excessive force.
- Video by a bystander shows deputies tackling and repeatedly striking Hernandez.
- Federal civil‑rights lawsuit planned if county rejects or fails to respond within 45 days.
A 22-year-old Turlock man who says he was beaten and wrongly arrested by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputies at the county fair this summer filed a government claim Tuesday alleging excessive force, battery and civil-rights violations.
The claim, filed with the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors by attorneys Neil Gehlawat and Peter Reagan, accuses deputies of tackling and repeatedly punching Ronaldo Hernandez during the July 20 incident at the Turlock fair. Hernandez had recently graduated from CSU Stanislaus with honors and was preparing to begin work for the Turlock Unified School District.
Attorneys say video shows violent arrest
At a press conference Wednesday at a Sacramento hotel, Gehlawat played a video taken by a bystander that shows two deputies striking and tackling Hernandez from behind while others surround them. The 15-second clip included with a news release about the complaint captures the incident already underway. It contains violence and foul language.
“This is not acceptable conduct,” Gehlawat said. “We can’t expect our law enforcement officers to act this way. There have to be consequences when something like this happens.”
Hernandez, who attended the fair with his parents, said the assault left him with a shoulder injury and head trauma that caused ongoing pain and short-term memory issues. He said he’s been unable to work since.
“That night changed my life forever, not just physically but mentally and emotionally,” Hernandez said. “I wake up every day reminded of what happened.”
Charges dropped by DA
According to the claim, deputies arrested Hernandez on suspicion of public intoxication and resisting arrest and booked him into the county jail.
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office declined to file those charges on Aug. 27, 2025, citing a lack of evidence, the filing states. His attorneys, who are with the Los Angeles law firm Taylor & Ring, said Hernandez does not drink and was sober that night.
Legal process underway
The claim — a required step before a civil lawsuit can be filed — seeks unspecified damages exceeding $25,000 and lists causes of action for battery, negligence, violations of the Bane Act and the U.S. Constitution, and negligent supervision and training.
It also demands the county preserve all body-camera and fairground surveillance footage from July 20.
Gehlawat said the family expects to file a federal civil rights lawsuit in Sacramento once the county’s 45-day response period expires.
“We hope they do right by this family,” he said, “but we’re ready to go the distance if we have to.”
Lt. Erich Layton, a sheriff’s spokesperson, said Tuesday the department is aware of the lawsuit but declined to discuss details.
“As a matter of practice, we do not address such allegations, as there is litigation,” Layton said to The Bee. “We do not comment on personnel-specific matters or provide video related to pending cases.”
Family calls for accountability
In a written statement, Hernandez’s parents said they watched “in horror” as deputies attacked their son.
“Ronaldo keeps asking us why this happened to him, and we have no answer,” they said. “We’re seeking justice not just for our son but to ensure this never happens to another family.”
Reagan added: “Members of the Stanislaus community should not have to fear that their own sheriff’s deputies will attack and detain them without good cause.”
The county has 45 days from the filing date to accept or reject the claim. If rejected or unanswered, Hernandez’s attorneys said they plan to pursue a federal lawsuit.
