Family sues Pima County over autistic son's arrest


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TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The parents of an 18-year-old man with autism say Pima County Sheriff's deputies used excessive force arresting their son.

The Arizona Daily Star reports (http://bit.ly/1CKKZnQ) that John and Chesia Maga allege in a claim filed earlier this month against the county and the sheriff that deputies body-slammed Michael Maga.

The Vail couple is seeking a $125,000 settlement and improvements in law enforcement training.

According to the Magas, Michael Maga started biting himself and pushing his mother. They say the outburst isn't unusual when he becomes frustrated.

The family says an ambulance was called but a responding deputy arrested him for domestic violence. They say he was body-slammed when he became agitated by the handcuffs.

The complaint, a precursor to a lawsuit, also names two deputies.

Sheriff's officials declined to comment.

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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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