A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the Denver Police Department in the wake of a disturbing incident that took place during the 2023 Nuggets celebration. The case centers around an altercation at Hayter’s & Co. Bar in Denver, where off-duty officers, including former Denver Police Officer Adam Glasby, encountered a group of men involved in a physical fight outside the establishment.
Attempting to intervene, Glasby forcefully restrained one of the men, Elijah Smith, resulting in a violent body slam that rendered Smith unconscious and caused severe injuries. This incident has led to significant legal and internal repercussions. Glasby, aged 39, now faces serious charges, including a felony count of second-degree assault with intent to cause serious bodily harm. This event triggered both a criminal investigation and an internal affairs inquiry within the Denver Police Department after Smith filed a formal complaint. Pending the outcome of these investigations, Glasby was reassigned to a non-patrol role.
The consequences for Elijah Smith have been profound and life-altering. He sustained a brain bleed, which has left him suffering from light sensitivity, requiring the use of sunglasses, and balance issues, necessitating a cane for mobility. Beyond the physical injuries, Smith endures significant emotional trauma, impacting his daily life and interactions with his children, and causing him to feel constantly anxious in public spaces.
The civil rights lawsuit seeks more than just compensation for Smith’s suffering; it aims to hold accountable all parties involved, including Glasby, the city and county of Denver, and the bar where the incident occurred. Glasby has already faced legal repercussions and lost his law enforcement certification, but the lawsuit aims to drive systemic changes in training, supervision, and disciplinary practices within law enforcement.
This legal battle marks a crucial step in Smith’s quest for justice and aims to serve as a catalyst for improved law enforcement protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The lawsuit represents a broader demand for accountability, reform, and the protection of individual rights and well-being within the community.
The Denver Police Department’s decision to decline commenting on the ongoing litigation underscores the sensitivity and complexity of the case. With Glasby’s resignation and the ongoing internal investigation, the aftermath of this incident continues to highlight the pressing need for transparency, accountability, and reform in law enforcement agencies.
