Hollywood Couple Sues Security Company for Using 'Caustic' Spray on Them

A lawsuit filed by a Hollywood couple alleges they were defending themselves against an intruder within their apartment complex grounds when a private patrol officer sprayed them instead of their assailant with a "caustic spray" and also caused them to be jailed for two days.

Zachary Morgan and Tiara Loville filed the suit Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court against Culver City-based Protection Resource Group, security officer Brian Hernandez and WM Sunset & Vine LLC, the owners of their apartment building.

They are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages as well as compensation for medical expenses, on allegations of battery, negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment and wrongful eviction.

A representative for Protection Resource Group did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

According to the complaint, Morgan and Loville were in a common area of their apartment building on Vine Street about 10 p.m. Dec. 9 when they were "viciously and violently attacked" by a non-resident to whom Hernandez allowed access.

The suit alleges that although it was clear to Hernandez that the couple were the victims, he sprayed them both with a "caustic substance with the intention of causing ... pain, discomfort and great bodily harm and injury."

Instead or obtaining video surveillance footage that would have exonerated the couple, Hernandez provided false information about the confrontation to law enforcement, causing Morgan and Loville to be "detained and/or imprisoned for a period of two days," the suit alleges.

The plaintiffs also allege they were wrongfully evicted by their landlords afterward.

--City News Service