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Lawsuit Filed After El Paso Man's Death Following Police Tasing Incident

KVIA•Monday, January 26, 2026 at 8:25 PM•Paul Schulz

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The family of Xavier Hernandez has initiated a federal civil rights lawsuit against the El Paso Police Department, alleging excessive force during a tragic encounter on July 13, 2025. Hernandez, 30, was in a mental health crisis when police responded to a highway overpass. Despite requesting help and showing he was unarmed, he was tased and restrained, leading to his death from oxygen deprivation due to chest compression. The lawsuit highlights failures in police protocol regarding mental health crises and calls for accountability and reform within the department. No charges have been filed against the officers involved, raising concerns about police practices in similar situations.

Key Details: • Incident occurred on July 13, 2025, on I-10 East at Yarbrough. • Hernandez was tased and restrained for nearly 10 minutes before becoming unresponsive. • El Paso County medical examiner ruled the death as a homicide due to oxygen deprivation. • Lawsuit calls for independent investigations and release of body camera footage.

police mental-health civil-rights lawsuit excessive-force

People & Organizations

El PasoEl Paso Police DepartmentI-10 EastYarbroughBorder Network for Human RightsSamantha SingletonDel Sol Medical CenterXavier HernandezRobert MelendezMelendez Law Firm

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