Cincinnati, Ohio – A man accused of intentionally running over and killing a sheriff’s deputy is now taking legal action, filing a $25 million lawsuit against the Cincinnati Police Department and Hamilton County officials, claiming excessive force and rights violations during his arrest.
Rodney Hinton Jr., 38, is facing aggravated murder charges after allegedly driving his car into retired Deputy Larry Henderson on May 2, just one day after police fatally shot Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton. Prosecutors believe anger over his son’s death may have led to the attack.
What Happened?
According to court testimony, Hinton had just seen police bodycam footage of his son being shot by officers. Moments later, he allegedly drove through an intersection near the University of Cincinnati, where Deputy Henderson was managing traffic for a graduation event.
Henderson was wearing a reflective vest when Hinton’s vehicle struck him. The impact threw Henderson several feet into the air. He later died at the hospital. Henderson had served over three decades in law enforcement.
Hinton has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held without bond in the Clermont County Jail.
Hinton’s Lawsuit: What Does He Claim?
On May 8, Hinton filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing police and jail staff of assaulting him during his arrest and trying to intimidate and humiliate him during court proceedings. He claims he was “visibly beaten” by the time he appeared in court and that more than 30 deputies stood behind him during hearings to create psychological pressure.
“This was not ordinary procedure,” the lawsuit reads. “It was done to punish and scare him.”
Hinton’s lawsuit also seeks legal fees and a court order to release him from custody, arguing that his constitutional rights were violated.
Who Is Representing Hinton?
The lawsuit was filed by Antoinette Holloway, a family friend who is not a licensed attorney but says she’s representing Hinton. “They did him wrong,” she said. “Let him out.”
So far, Cincinnati Police and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office have not commented on the lawsuit.
The Police Shooting of Ryan Hinton
The events began on April 30, when police found a stolen SUV in East Price Hill. Four suspects ran, including Ryan Hinton. Bodycam footage shows Ryan fall, get up, and continue running. He ran between two dumpsters where another officer shot him multiple times.
Police later said they found a gun with an extended magazine near the scene and another magazine in Ryan’s pocket. But bodycam footage does not clearly show a weapon, and Ryan never fired.
The shooting is still under investigation.
Emotions Run High in Court
Since the arrest, court hearings have been tense. At one session, a man shouted, “That’s my brother!” and had to be removed by officers. Supporters of Hinton filled the courtroom, clashing with law enforcement.
Hinton’s lawyer, Clyde Bennett II, said his client was mentally unstable after watching the footage of his son’s death and may pursue an insanity defense.
“I don’t believe Rodney was thinking clearly,” Bennett said. “This is classic mental illness.”
Public Reaction and Tensions
The case has caused public unrest, with some seeing Hinton’s actions as revenge, while others believe he was emotionally shattered and not thinking clearly.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said the case would be treated with the full force of the law if Hinton’s actions were proven intentional. Meanwhile, Ryan’s family is demanding justice for what they call an unjust police killing.
“We lost a child and now we’re watching his father go through this. It’s too much,” said Ryan’s grandmother Tonya Larkin.