Attorney Zulu Ali Files Claim on Behalf of Tampa Bay Buccaneer's Dominique Robertson who was Denied Access to Family, Attorney and Medical Attention by Police

RIVERSIDE, Calif., July 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On or about June 30, 2016 at approximately 3:30 a.m. Mr. Robertson, an offensive lineman with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers home visiting friends, arrived at the Loma Linda Hospital to seek medical attention for injuries he received as a result of being shot outside of an apartment building in Loma Linda, California.  He sustained injuries to his leg area.  The motive is unknown; however, there is no reason to believe that Mr. Robertson was the intended target.

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On July 1, 2016 at approximately 6:00 p.m. he was released from the hospital.  Upon release, he was detained by Riverside County Sheriff's deputies and taken to the Jurupa Valley Sheriff's station.  His family was not allowed to speak to him and were threatened with arrest when they sought to get information from the detaining deputies.  Mr. Robertson was willing to cooperate with any investigation but was concerned with the detention and treatment of his family and requested an attorney before leaving the hospital and was promised that he would have access to counsel once they arrived at the Sheriff's station. 

Robertson's attorney, Zulu Ali, arrived at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff's station to meet with Mr. Robertson when he was advised by the investigating deputies that Mr. Robertson had not invoked his rights.  After Attorney Ali advised that his client had requested an attorney the deputies refused Attorney Ali access to his client and refused to even notify Mr. Robertson that his attorney was present.  Attorney Ali was not even allowed in the building.

Several attempts were made by Attorney Ali, by telephone, to speak to supervisors regarding getting access to Mr. Robertson, but he was continually denied access to his client.  At approximately 10:00 p.m., Mr. Robertson was able to make a phone call to his family who were gathered outside with his attorney; Mr. Robertson advised his family and attorney that he was in pain and had been requesting water, medication, and assistance with pain he was experiencing from the gunshot wounds; a water bottle he had was in fact taken from him by the Sheriff's deputies. 

Mr. Robertson, who suffers from asthma, was also not provided his inhaler provided to police by Mr. Robertson's family at the hospital prior to being taken to the Jurupa Valley Sheriff's station. 

Attorney Ali states that regardless of the circumstances, denying Mr. Robertson access to his attorney, water, medication, and medical assistance is a violation of the most basic of rights.  He had been a victim of a shooting only 30 hours earlier. 

"We were terribly concerned about Mr. Robertson welfare and the blatant disregard for his rights, health, and safety.  Not allowing his attorney access to check on his welfare; and denying him water, medication, and access to medical attention was abuse on the part of the Sheriff's department," Attorney Ali adds.

Media Contact: Law Office of Zulu Ali, Riverside, California; 951-782-8722

SOURCE Law Offices of Zulu Ali