27 MISTREATMENT CLAIMS FILED AGAINST CITY OF LA MESA IN 2021, RECORDS SHOW

La Mesa faced more than two dozen claims alleging property damage and other misconduct by city workers last year, according to data obtained through a public records request.

Most allegations are still being investigated. Of the five that were closed, the city offered money only once.

More than $3,870 was paid to a man who said police rear-ended him on University Avenue near the end of 2020.

Representatives for the city and law enforcement generally declined comment on the claims, which can be precursors to lawsuits.

Six were filed overall against police last year.

The most high-profile case was from Matthew Dages, a former officer who argued he was wrongfully fired. His contentious arrest of a man at a transit stop sparked local protests two years ago, and an administrative investigation later found Dages lied on a police report.

A judge agreed earlier this year Dages’ firing was justified. The former officer’s attorney previously said they may appeal.

Another man accused the department of excessive force after a police dog bit him last summer, according to the records. That case has not yet been decided, but Assistant City Manager Carlo Tomaino said the incident “did not occur within the boundaries of La Mesa and did not involve our personnel.”

Lt. Katy Lynch added that the department doesn’t even have a patrol dog. (The station does have a yellow Lab that acts as an emotional support animal for staff.)

A message left at a number listed for the man who filed the complaint was not returned.

Public Works fielded seven claims, the most of any department.

One woman said a raised portion of a sidewalk by Jackson and Center drives caused her to trip and hit her head on a brick retaining wall, while a man said he fell on Grossmont Center Drive. Another man said a pothole by Spring Street and state Route 94 caused property damage, while new asphalt allegedly melted into a third man’s tires.

All but one of the public works cases remain open.

A third of the 27 complaints appeared to be from the same woman, who filed eight on the same day last June, alleging multiple city departments hurt her.

At least some appear to stem from a dispute with a neighbor.

A message left at a number listed for the woman was not returned.

It was not immediately clear how much money the city may have paid out last year on claims filed before 2021.

blake.nelson@sduniontribune.com