Lawsuit Names Tow Truck Driver Eric Robinson in Death of Deacon Johnny Hollman

Accident – Death – Obituary News : ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A lawsuit has been filed against a tow truck driver and his employer, alleging their actions led to the death of a deacon who was tased by a former Atlanta police officer during an arrest in August. The lawsuit, filed by the family of 62-year-old Johnny Hollman in DeKalb County State Court, claims that Eric Robinson, a tow truck driver with S & W Towing Company, played a direct role in causing Hollman’s serious physical injuries, which ultimately resulted in his death.

According to the lawsuit, on August 10, Robinson was dispatched to the scene of an accident as part of his employer’s contract with the City of Atlanta. Upon arriving, Robinson allegedly witnessed a City of Atlanta police officer physically restraining an elderly citizen who was lying on the ground. The officer, later identified as Kiran Kimbrough, was attempting to arrest Hollman for reportedly refusing to sign a traffic ticket.

The lawsuit further states that Robinson immediately joined the officer without being asked for assistance, forcefully grabbing Hollman’s left arm. Robinson then allegedly sat on top of Hollman’s head and neck, using his full body weight to restrain him. Despite Hollman being handcuffed, Robinson continued to maintain his position on top of him. The lawsuit also accuses Robinson of making inappropriate remarks during the incident, saying, “I ain’t did this s**t in so long, I forgot what it was like.”

During the arrest, Hollman was eventually tased, as confirmed by the Atlanta Police Department (APD). Hollman repeatedly complained about his difficulty breathing during the arrest, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and punitive damages for the alleged misconduct by Robinson and his employer. Kimbrough, the former Atlanta police officer involved in the incident, was terminated by the APD after an internal investigation. Kimbrough’s attorney, Lance LoRusso, asserts his client’s innocence, stating that he vehemently denies any wrongdoing or policy violations related to Hollman’s arrest.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also conducted an independent investigation into the incident and classified Hollman’s death as a homicide. However, an autopsy revealed that Hollman had pre-existing health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes.

This is a developing story, and Atlanta News First will provide updates as more information becomes available..