DEWEY BEACH, Del. - A federal lawsuit over whether a man punched a Delaware State Police officer’s horse in Dewey Beach is set for a jury trial in May.
A three-day jury trial was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Williams. The trial will begin Wednesday, May 27, in Wilmington. The case was brought by Gavin Coco against Helen Zane and Josh Dear of the Delaware State Police.
Earlier this year, a Delaware District Court judge ruled that video evidence and depositions from the officers made it unclear whether Coco actually punched the horse, and that a jury should evaluate the question.
In 2018, court documents said Zane, who was assisting with crowd control while on a horse, accused Coco of punching the animal. Coco was arrested and has denied the accusation since.
For the past eight years, he has taken legal action against the officers involved. Court filings say the charges and attention surrounding the case have led to him being harassed. Coco’s claims that are still being considered include battery, excessive force and a First Amendment violation.
Until May 27, the parties may decide to settle. If they do not, the case will be decided by a jury. The lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.
