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Lake Jackson resident files tort‑claim form, alleges civil‑rights and medical harms after arrest
Summary
Resident Craig Bridal told council he intends to sue the City of Lake Jackson and provided a tort claim form alleging civil‑rights violations, unlawful arrest and medical harm from interrupted medication; he asked for a council response by the end of the week.
A Lake Jackson resident told the City Council he intends to file suit and provided a tort‑claim form alleging civil‑rights violations during an arrest.
Craig Bridal, who identified himself as a Lake Jackson resident of 17 years, addressed the council during the visitors' comments period and said he has submitted a tort claim form to the city manager alleging that his civil rights were violated during an incident on May 4, 2025. Bridal said he suffered mental anguish and interruptions to prescribed medication following his arrest and that he would "present my intent to sue the city of Lake Jackson" if he did not receive a response by the end of the week.
Why it matters: Public comments that present a tort claim or announce intent to sue the city are typically logged with the city manager and city attorney for review; the speaker said he delivered a copy of the tort form to the city manager, who he said had forwarded it to the police chief.
Bridal said the incident occurred May 4, 2025, at about 10 p.m. at 420 Garland Drive, Apartment 502, and that he was arrested on a criminal mischief charge he described as a felony. He told council he had previously been a law‑abiding citizen and that his medication and mental‑health treatment were interrupted during the arrest and booking process; he said he feared for his life and the safety of his children during the events that led to the police response. Bridal also alleged officers did not properly cite or file all charges he requested be placed against another person involved, and he named officers by badge numbers in his remarks.
The council did not take action on the public comment during the meeting. City staff acknowledged receipt of the form and the city manager was named by Bridal as having received a copy; Bridal also said he left an additional copy with the city secretary. Under normal procedures, the city manager and city attorney review tort claims and respond according to municipal and state procedures.
Ending: Bridal asked for a reply by the end of the week; the city manager and city staff are the appropriate contacts for follow‑up and the claim will be processed through the city's legal and risk‑management channels.
