Marcus Evans stepped out of his home on that fateful night in October, his hands raised, with no weapon and zero intent to resist. However, within moments, he was brutally pelted with multiple bean bag rounds, bitten by a police dog, and left severely injured. 

Now, Attorney Dante Pride, a fierce civil rights advocate, is leading a lawsuit against the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). This case demands justice for Evans, whose life was upended by what he and his family describe as an unnecessary and excessive use of force.

This case has sparked widespread concern over the SDPD’s handling of the situation and has added to the urgent conversations about police practices in our country.

The Unwarranted Response That Left Marcus Evans Injured

On October 24, 2024, just before midnight, SDPD responded to a report of a man allegedly threatening a woman with a gun in Valencia Park. Police called for Evans to exit his home, to which Evans complied a short time later. 

In a video shot by a freelance photographer, Evans is shown walking out, unarmed, shirtless, and with his hands raised. Evans can be heard stating, “I have nothing,” and announcing to the officers that he was going to sit down on a wall at the edge of the lawn. 

Despite this, as Evans sat on the ledge with his hands still raised, police fired three bean bag rounds at him. These projectiles are not as harmless as their name would imply, as bean bag rounds carry the risk of serious injury or even death. Police also unleashed a K-9 on Evans twice in between shooting him with the bean bag rounds, with the dog mauling Evans’ left arm. 

In the aftermath of this arrest, Evans suffered severe injuries to his arm, stomach, chest, groin, and shin. The charges initially brought against him, including assault with a deadly weapon, were eventually dropped.

Evans' attorney, Attorney Dante Pride of The Pride Law Firm, said in a statement regarding the lawsuit brought against the SDPD: 

"This lawsuit represents a call for accountability and justice in cases where officers resort to excessive force, compromising public trust. The San Diego Police Department has a duty to protect, not harm, the communities it serves. We will pursue justice for our client and seek measures to prevent incidents like these from happening to others."

You can listen to further details about the case and hear Dante Pride discuss his goal that this lawsuit will inspire systemic reforms in SDPD’s use-of-force policies below: 

Dante Pride Aims to Hold SDPD Accountable 

Evans’ injuries have upended his life. A construction worker who had recently started a new job, Evans is now unable to work due to his condition. 

The emotional toll is equally upsetting. At a press conference, his mother, Glena, shared the family’s anguish and her hopes that no one should ever have to endure this type of injustice again.

Attorney Dante Pride is seeking justice for Evans through a civil lawsuit against SDPD, citing excessive use of force. Mr. Pride, known for his commitment to fighting civil rights injustices, questioned the police’s decision-making:

“I still can't for the life of me understand why they decided that was the moment to escalate the situation to bean bag rounds and K9 officers.”

SDPD has initiated an internal investigation, and the case is under review by the city’s independent Commission on Police Practices, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other agencies. Police Chief Scott Wahl issued a statement promising to review the incident thoroughly.

Fight for Change With the Civil Rights Attorneys at The Pride Law Firm

Mr. Pride founded The Pride Law Firm on the core belief that, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” By holding those in power accountable for their actions through his fierce and attentive approach, Mr. Pride hopes to not only protect his clients’ rights but bring an end to injustice in state and federal courts. 

If you or a loved one has experienced a violation of civil rights, especially in cases involving police misconduct, contact The Pride Law Firm today. Dante Pride’s experienced legal team is here to uphold your rights and work toward meaningful change. Reach out to us online or call (619) 516-8166 today.