HOUSTON – A young man shot by a well-known Stafford police officer said the officer used excessive force in 2012 and now he wants a jury to award him damages for his medical bills and pain and suffering.
Jay Mazoch, 22, said he didn't deserve to be shot by Officer Ann Carrizales, who is considered a hero by some after she took a bullet to the face in a 2013 incident and then chased after the suspects.
She shot Mazoch in the nose Oct. 14, 2012, in a neighborhood near Glenmeadow Drive and drives when he stopped to talk to officers who were investigating an unrelated shooting in the area.
Stafford police said Mazoch was drunk and stands by Carrizales. A grand jury cleared her on Dec. 17, 2012, of any criminal wrongdoing in Mazoch's incident, according to the Fort Bend District Attorney's Office.
The shooting was captured on a police dash camera. Audio recorded Mazoch and two officers in a disagreement. The Stafford Police Department said one officer's arms were pinned in the front driver window. Court paperwork indicates both officers' arms were injured.
Carrizales is next seen on video stepping in front of Mazoch's car. He stops and she fires.
"The car comes to a complete stop. You see the brake lights are on. Then you see the officer coming around the side. She points her weapon directly at Mazoch and shouts a few obscenities and pulls the trigger," said Randall Kallinen, Mazoch's attorney, at a Tuesday afternoon news conference in front of federal court in Houston.
Mazoch attended the news conference, but his attorney said he was not allowed to talk citing three charges Mazoch faces. He's charged with two counts of aggravated assault to a peace officer and DWI. He has not gone to trial on any of the charges, but is scheduled for court in December.
Kallinen said the shooting was unnecessary.
"This is a clear example of excessive force, deadly force that was unnecessary, and it violates the United States Constitution," he said.
Mazoch's medical bills were at least $83,000, according to the lawsuit.
Kallinen wants that amount, pain and suffering damages for his client and more training for police officers. He feels Carrizales did not have proper training.
Killinen also wants the Fort Bend District Attorney's Office and the FBI to investigate this case for official oppression and aggravated assault.
Have a tip about this story or a story idea for investigative reporter Jace Larson? Email him at jlarson@kprc.com. Call or text him at 713-635-9941.
25960024
25959850