Calvin R. Grovner has filed a compelling lawsuit alleging excessive force by law enforcement officers during his arrest, raising serious questions about police conduct and accountability. The complaint was filed by Grovner on January 10, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia against deputies Alex Watson and James M. Miner, Camden County Sheriff Jim Proctor, and Camden County itself.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on January 14, 2024, when Deputies Watson and Miner stopped a vehicle for speeding in Camden County, Georgia. After the vehicle initially stopped but then drove away, a pursuit ensued. During this chase, Deputy Watson allegedly rammed the rear of the vehicle, causing it to stop. Grovner claims he exited the car with his hands visible to avoid being shot but was met with aggression from Watson who had drawn his gun and used profanity. According to Grovner’s account, despite laying face down on the ground as instructed, he was subjected to excessive force; Watson allegedly leaped onto his back, handcuffed him tightly causing pain and numbness in his wrists, and proceeded to punch him while making threats.
Grovner asserts that Deputy Miner witnessed these actions but failed to intervene or prevent further harm. The complaint accuses both deputies of violating Grovner’s Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizure and excessive force under 42 U.S.C. §1983. Furthermore, it implicates Sheriff Proctor and Camden County for maintaining policies that foster such misconduct among their officers by failing to hold them accountable or adequately address citizen complaints.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages not less than $1 million for each count due to mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, physical injuries including lacerations and bruises inflicted during the arrest process. Additionally, punitive damages are sought against Deputy Watson for acting with conscious indifference towards Grovner’s rights. Attorney fees are also requested under the Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Awards Act of 1976.
Representing Calvin R. Grovner is attorney James A. Yancey Jr., based in Brunswick, Georgia. The case is presided over by Judge Lisa Godbey Wood under Case ID CV226-00004-LGW-BWC.
Source: 226cv4_Calvin_Grovner_v_Alex_Watson_Complaint_Southern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
