A claims commission has granted the Arkansas Department of Correction's motion to dismiss a complaint filed by convicted killer Arron Lewis, who was seeking $15,000 in damages for personal injury, negligence and pain and suffering, according to documents from the Bureau of Legislative Research.
In the complaint, Lewis accused a guard of taunting him while he was being strip-searched outside on a cold day in January. He also said the officer purposely tripped him as he walked back to his cell in full restraints. The fall caused Lewis to dislocate his right shoulder, he said.
The Department of Correction filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that Lewis failed to specify which procedure officers violated when they strip-searched him in cold weather.
The agency also said it could provide testimony that officers tried to protect Lewis from falling when he tripped on his own and pointed out that Lewis has been treated for shoulder dislocations since 2012.
Lewis was found guilty in the slaying of Realtor Beverly Carter during a January trial and is serving back-to-back life sentences.
Read more about the claims commission's decision in Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
