Deputy Fired After Attacking Disabled Man: $500K Lawsuit Settlement Explained

By LackLuster, Expert Attorney & Legal Content Specialist

In a shocking case of police misconduct, a Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy was fired, and a disabled man received a nearly $500,000 settlement after being tackled and wrongfully detained. This incident, captured on video in September 2022, raises critical questions about excessive force, civil rights violations, and accountability in law enforcement. As an experienced attorney with over a decade of expertise in civil litigation and police misconduct cases, I’ll break down what happened, the legal implications, and what this settlement means for victims of similar injustices.

What Happened: The Incident at Madera Vista Apartments

On a routine call in September 2022, Deputy Robert Glasser of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to a harassment complaint at the Madera Vista Apartments. The situation escalated when Gregory Walling, a bystander recovering from a recent knee replacement, crossed paths with Glasser. Walling wasn’t the subject of the initial call—he was simply walking with a cane as part of his physical therapy.

Video evidence shows Deputy Glasser ordering Walling to “go over there” and threatening to arrest him if he didn’t comply. When Walling questioned the orders—asserting his right to speak—Glasser accused him of “impeding my investigation.” Without clear justification beyond “because I said so,” Glasser tackled Walling to the ground, handcuffed him, and detained him despite Walling’s visible disability and protests about his injured knees.

Walling was held for 12 hours on charges of resisting, obstructing, or delaying an officer under California Penal Code 148. However, the charges were dropped, and what followed was a legal battle that exposed serious misconduct.

The Legal Fallout: Lawsuit and $500K Settlement

After his release, Walling filed a formal complaint against Glasser and pursued a lawsuit seeking $3 million in damages. Two and a half years later, in early 2025, Riverside County settled for nearly half a million dollars in taxpayer funds. An internal investigation substantiated claims of unnecessary force, leading to Glasser’s termination—a rare outcome in a department criticized for leniency toward deputies.

Walling’s attorney, Jerry Steering, a veteran litigator with over 40 years of experience in police misconduct cases, noted, “I have never seen a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department deputy get disciplined at all for falsely arresting an innocent person for a resistance offense or for wrongfully beating… innocent people.” This case, Steering suggests, may indicate the department was already seeking a reason to part ways with Glasser.

Was This Lawful? Understanding California Penal Code 148

The charge leveled against Walling—resisting, obstructing, or delaying an officer—requires specific conditions under California law:

1. Actual Obstruction: The individual’s actions must materially delay or obstruct an officer’s lawful duties.
2. Willful Intent: The conduct must be intentional and aimed at disrupting the officer’s work.

Courts have consistently ruled that mere speech or criticism doesn’t constitute obstruction unless it physically interferes with an investigation. In Walling’s case, he was walking away and questioning Glasser’s orders—hardly actions that impeded the deputy’s ability to investigate the original harassment complaint. The lack of charges after his detention further underscores the absence of legal grounding for Glasser’s actions.

This incident highlights a broader issue: officers sometimes misuse Penal Code 148 as a catch-all to justify arrests when faced with non-compliance or verbal pushback. For Walling, a disabled man with no intent to obstruct, this was a clear overreach.

Excessive Force and Disability Rights: A Civil Rights Violation?

Glasser’s decision to tackle a man with a visible disability raises red flags under federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which protects against civil rights violations by government officials. Officers are trained to de-escalate and accommodate individuals with disabilities—not escalate to physical force without cause.

The Fourth Amendment also prohibits unreasonable seizures, and tackling a non-threatening, cane-using individual over a vague “impeding” claim likely crosses that line. Walling’s $500,000 settlement reflects the county’s recognition of liability, though it falls short of the $3 million he initially sought—a common outcome in negotiated resolutions.

Why This Matters: Accountability and Taxpayer Costs

This case isn’t just about one deputy’s actions—it’s about systemic issues in law enforcement accountability. Riverside County’s payout, funded by taxpayers, underscores a harsh reality: when officers overstep, the public often foots the bill. Glasser’s firing is a step toward justice, but as Steering’s comments suggest, such consequences are rare.

For victims like Walling, settlements provide compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, and lost rights. Yet, they don’t erase the trauma of being targeted unjustly. This incident also serves as a reminder of your rights: You can question an officer’s orders, especially if they lack legal basis, though doing so safely requires knowing when to de-escalate or seek legal recourse later.

What Can You Do If You’re a Victim of Police Misconduct?

If you’ve experienced a similar situation, here’s how to protect yourself and seek justice:

1. Document Everything: Video evidence, like the footage that exposed Glasser’s actions, can be pivotal. Record safely and legally if possible.
2. File a Complaint: Submit an official complaint with the agency involved—Walling’s complaint triggered the internal investigation that led to Glasser’s firing.
3. Consult an Attorney: A skilled police misconduct lawyer can assess your case for civil rights violations or excessive force claims.
4. Know Your Rights: You’re entitled to question police actions, but physical resistance can complicate your case—opt for verbal assertions and legal action afterward.

For expert legal help, consider resources like Attorney Shield, which connects victims with experienced counsel. (Use code “Lack” for a 10% discount, as promoted in the original video.)

Final Thoughts: A Rare Win for Accountability

The firing of Deputy Glasser and the $500,000 settlement mark a rare victory for accountability in Riverside County. Yet, they also highlight the uphill battle victims face in holding law enforcement accountable. As an attorney passionate about justice, I see this case as a call to action: we must demand better training, stricter oversight, and fairer outcomes for those wronged by the system.