A disturbing lawsuit has been filed against a Las Vegas correctional officer for alleged excessive force and the use of a racial slur, following incidents that resulted in a man’s wrist being broken while in detention at the Clark County Detention Center in 2024.
In a detailed 10-page complaint submitted to the Eighth Judicial District Court, plaintiff Xavier Tate claimed that he was subjected to a series of unacceptable actions, including an unreasonable strip search and derogatory comments from corrections officer Nchong Enokenwa during two separate bookings on November 3 and November 23, 2024.
Court records from the Las Vegas Justice Court indicate that Tate was charged with various offenses, including making a false statement to obstruct a public officer, DUI, and participating in a speed contest related to those dates.
Both Metro and Enokenwa are named as defendants in the lawsuit, which seeks compensatory damages exceeding $15,000 for physical injuries, emotional distress, and other related damages. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department stated that the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation and did not provide information on whether Enokenwa’s alleged behavior was investigated or if he would receive legal support. As of Tuesday, the case file had not indicated that attorneys had been appointed for either defendant.
The lawsuit did not specify the exact dates of the alleged misconduct, but noted that Enokenwa was responsible for processing Tate on both occasions. During one arrest, it is alleged that Enokenwa forcibly bent Tate’s hands behind his back in a manner that caused significant pain, ultimately leading to a broken right wrist. Tate claims he was compliant and non-confrontational during these interactions. He sought medical attention following his release and was diagnosed with an acute triquetral fracture, along with various other physical and emotional injuries.
Tate described being subjected to a strip search and being placed in a cell without clothing for an extended period, although the specific duration was not detailed in the complaint. During his second arrest, Enokenwa is accused of using a racial slur against Tate and making threatening remarks, suggesting a sinister undercurrent to their interactions.
The complaint also alleges that an internal investigation concluded there was no wrongdoing on Enokenwa’s part, asserting that his actions were in accordance with the department’s use of force policies. Furthermore, Tate’s lawsuit highlights a prior incident involving Enokenwa from July 2024, where he allegedly utilized excessive force against another detainee, causing a serious head laceration and significant bleeding.
In addition to the claims against Enokenwa, the lawsuit cites three other instances of excessive force used by other officers at the Clark County Detention Center since 2023. These allegations suggest a troubling trend, as some correctional officers reportedly referred to the use of such excessive force as “the treatment” necessary for handling detainees, implying a widespread and concerning culture of abuse.
The suit argues that these repeated incidents of excessive force reflect a pattern of deliberate indifference towards the constitutional rights of pre-trial detainees, compromising their safety and well-being at the Clark County Detention Center.
As this lawsuit progresses, it raises critical questions about accountability and the treatment of detainees in the correctional system.
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