Photo: Chief Deputy Adriana Ruiloba approaches journalist David Flash moments before physically assaulting and detaining him without legal justification at the Jeff Davis County Courthouse on June 27, 2025. According to medical records, Rubiola dug her fingernails into Flash’s left forearm, leaving visible abrasions documented by urgent care staff later that day.
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David Flash, publisher of the Big Bend Times, has filed a legal claim against Jeff Davis County, alleging that deputies physically assaulted and removed him from a public Commissioners Court meeting on June 27, 2025, in violation of his constitutional rights.
According to the notice of claim submitted to county officials, Flash was present at the courthouse as a journalist documenting the meeting when he was forcibly restrained and removed from the room by Deputies Adriana Ruiloba and Giesbrecht (spelling approximate). He asserts he was not disruptive or engaged in any unlawful activity at the time.
Sheriff Victor Lopez was not involved in the initial use of force, according to Flash’s filing, but arrived shortly afterward and made the decision to keep him restrained.
“I was present to observe the Commissioners Court meeting as a journalist and citizen, and was engaged in no unlawful or disruptive conduct,” Flash wrote. “Despite this, I was violently seized and assaulted by law enforcement officers without any legal justification.”
Flash was handcuffed, issued a citation for disorderly conduct, and barred from attending the remainder of the meeting. He contends the citation was fabricated and that the entire incident was retaliatory in nature, stemming from his efforts to document and report on county government.
The notice describes injuries including:
- An abrasion to the left forearm from being grabbed
- Bruising and tenderness in the right upper arm
- Wrist abrasions from tight restraints
- Pain in the upper back and chest
- Elevated heart rate
Medical records from Vital Care Urgent Care in Odessa, dated the same day, confirm Flash was treated for these injuries and prescribed medication to address muscle spasms and pain. He was advised to apply ice, monitor for signs of infection, and return for follow-up care.
Flash says he remained calm and compliant throughout, and that officers repeatedly yelled “stop resisting” despite no resistance. He argues this was a false justification for the use of force.
The legal claim includes allegations of:
- First Amendment retaliation, for engaging in protected journalistic activity
- Fourth Amendment violations, including excessive force and unlawful seizure
- Fourteenth Amendment violations, for denial of due process and equal protection
- State common law claims, including assault, battery, false arrest, and abuse of official capacity
Flash is preserving medical and photographic evidence and intends to pursue civil action against the county, Sheriff Lopez, and the two deputies, in both their official and individual capacities.
As of Saturday, Jeff Davis County officials have not issued a public response.
