Monday, Jan. 30, 2012

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) -- A federal trial is set for May in a lawsuit brought by a man who says Beaufort County sheriff's deputies broke his neck when they arrested him two years ago.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports a lawsuit by Ronald Ballard alleges he was left a quadriplegic because deputies used too much force when they arrested him in 2010.

The sheriff's department denies the allegation.

Authorities say Ballard was arrested on Hilton Head Island after an altercation with another man. The suit alleges Ballard was restrained on the ground when a deputy kneeled on the base of his skull.

Columbia attorney Dick Harpootlian says his client is looking forward to his day in court. Jury selection is scheduled in March in federal court in Charleston.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)