Firefighter Files Suit Against Calif. Highway Patrol

June 14, 2014
The Chula Vista firefighter was handcuffed at a crash scene by a CHP officer for not moving a pumper earlier in the year.

A lawsuit has been filed against the California Highway Patrol by a Chula Vista firefighter who was handcuffed at a crash scene earlier this year.

Firefighter Jake Gregoire parked a pumper to block crews at a crash scene when CHP Officer Sergio Flores ordered him to move the rig. 

When Gregoire refused, he was cuffed by Flores and placed in the back of a police car.

According to KGTV, Gregoire's attorney, Dan Gilleon, uncovered a 2010 incident where Flores threatened a firefighter with arrest.

Shortly after the incident, Gregoire offered to drop his claim if the highway patrol changed its policy.

The state rejected that idea, leading to Gregoire's lawsuit alleging civil rights violations.

Video: Original Handcuffing Incident

"I couldn't live with myself for the rest of my life that someone could potentially be injured because I didn't stand up for what I believe in," Gregoire said in an earlier interview.

During another incident, Flores and another police officer were found liable for battery during a pursuit.

"This is a sign of supreme arrogance and a sign this man is a dangerous man in uniform," said Gilleon.

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