Coastal tourism boards lose income stream; seeking private money
March 11, 2015Peter Mire
March 11, 2015
A brawl during a Carnival krewe’s party that left a deputy severely injured has resulted in a lawsuit brought against the club.
Court papers filed in Terrebonne Parish civil court allege that the Terrebonne Men’s Carnival Club, known more generally as the Krewe of Hercules, is responsible for injuries suffered by Sgt. Albert Lewis, who was working an off-duty security detail in uniform, when fights broke out at a pool party held at the Ramada Inn on Tunnel Boulevard. The incident occurred on Feb. 15, 2014.
The suit also names Dylan Yates, the man who was arrested in connection with the incident, as a defendant.
The court papers do not specify a dollar amount for the damages.
“A number of physical altercations, in different areas of the pool party, broke out among the members or invited guests,” the suit reads.
A number of the partiers, the suit alleges, struck Lewis while he attempted to break up the brawls.
Lewis used his Taser during one altercation, the court papers state.
The later altercation with Yates was referred to as “a vicious struggle.”
“This struggle was in the direct view and in close proximity to numerous other guests,” the complaint continues. No one, the suit goes on to say, attempted to aid the deputy. “Rather, they watched as if it were entertainment.”
Lewis was transported to a local hospital, the complaint reads, where he was treated for his injuries, which included a concussion.
The club, the lawsuit alleges, allowed member to become overly intoxicated and also permitted underage people to drink at the function.
Replies to the suit are still in the process of being formulated and so Hercules officials would not comment on the case.
Reached by phone at his place of employment, Yates said he did not feel comfortable talking about the case without consulting with his attorney.
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry Larpenter confirmed that Lewis is still employed as a deputy, but said he could not comment further on the case, which does not directly involve his department.
Yates was 20 years old when he was booked into the Terrebonne jail on the night of the incident.
His charges included battery on a police officer.
Houma attorney William Watkins filed the lawsuit.
King Hercules XXXI Terry Pierce celebrates his Houma ride. A lawsuit has been filed by a deputy injured at the krewe’s party.
