Kentucky Police Officers Sue for Injuries at Unruly Holiday Party

January 21, 2009

Two Lexington, Kentucky police officers who were injured breaking up a large fight at a hotel have filed a lawsuit claiming the partygoers were served too much alcohol.

Officer Randall Combs injured his shoulder and Officer Derrick Wallace dislocated his thumb on Dec. 20, 2007, at an unruly holiday party at the Crowne Plaza-Campbell House.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported the officers each filed lawsuits last month against Crowne Plaza and Shepherd Communications Inc., the company that threw the party. The lawsuit also names Daniel Lee Billings, a party attendant who was charged with assault for fighting with the officers.

Attorney Frank Jenkins, who represents the officers, said the hotel's insurance company said that a catering service supplied the alcohol. The catering company is not identified in the lawsuits.

"It is our contention that the serving of alcoholic beverages by the hotel was not properly supervised and the members of the party became, as best as we can tell, extremely intoxicated,'' Jenkins said.

Seven other people were arrested on charges such as disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication.

Billings pleaded guilty to third- and fourth-degree assault last year. According to police reports, police tried to arrest his wife after she refused to leave and was screaming. Billings interceded and struggled with the officers, police said.

The hotel and officials at Shepherd Communications did not return calls seeking comment.

The lawsuits seek damages for pain and suffering; fright, shock and mental anguish; lost wages; medical expenses; loss of enjoyment of life; and attorney fees.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader,
http://www.kentucky.com