In a shocking case that has drawn widespread attention in Utah, Gabriel Cota, a man who was critically injured during a police encounter in Saratoga Springs, has filed a lawsuit against the Saratoga Springs Police Department and former Officer Dean Sekona. The lawsuit comes on the heels of a ruling from the Utah County Attorney's Office that determined Sekona's use of force was unjustified during the incident, which occurred on the afternoon of April 15, 2024. The incident began when Officer Sekona pulled over Cota's vehicle due to suspicions that the window tinting was too dark. This initial stop, which Cota described as routine, escalated dramatically over the course of approximately 40 minutes. According to Cota and his wife, Violeta Martinez, the officer interacted with them aggressively from the outset, even after they explained that the tint was factory-installed and legal. "So everything was fine, and the tinting was from the factory; it came from the factory, and we didn’t do anything to it," Violeta shared, recalling the tense moments during the traffic stop. Despite their reassurances, Violeta reported that Sekona conducted an extensive background check on Cota, which revealed a previous incident involving a firearm, although no weapons were present in their vehicle that day. As tensions mounted, Officer Sekona ordered Cota out of the vehicle. However, Cota became entangled in his seatbelt, which led to a moment of confusion. It was at this critical juncture that Sekona drew his service rifle and fired two shots. One bullet struck Cota, while the other narrowly missed the couple's 13-year-old daughter, who was in the backseat at the time. The traumatic aftermath of the shooting left Violeta in a state of panic. "Then he said, 'Baby, it hit me!' And there was blood coming out," she recalled, her voice quaking with emotion. Violeta described the horror of believing that her daughter had also been hit. "I just was yelling at the cop, I said, 'Stop! You're killing my family!'" she said, recalling the moment with visceral clarity. After being shot, Cota attempted to drive away from the scene but quickly realized the severity of his injuries and tried to escape on foot. He was apprehended shortly after and spent more than a week in the hospital recovering from his wounds. When he finally regained consciousness, doctors informed him that he was fortunate to be alive. Following a thorough investigation lasting 16 months, the Utah County Attorney's Office concluded that the shooting was not justified, stating that Sekona knew unarmed occupants were in the vehicle when he discharged his weapon. "The officer knew that unarmed occupants were in the vehicle, and he still fired on them," noted David Francis, the attorney representing Cota and Martinez. "I think that's the most egregious part of all of this and the scariest part." This ruling marks a significant step forward for the Cota family as they seek justice for the traumatic experience they endured. Francis emphasized the importance of the ruling, stating, "Once it came out, it vindicated exactly what they said. We anticipate filing the civil complaint against Officer Sekona and the Saratoga Springs Police Department next week." In light of the county attorney's findings, the possibility of criminal charges against Sekona is now under review. The Utah County Prosecutor's Office is expected to make a determination on potential charges within the coming weeks, further heightening the scrutiny surrounding the incident. The ramifications of this case extend beyond the immediate parties involved, as it raises profound questions about police conduct, the use of force, and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Community members and advocates for police reform are closely monitoring developments, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice in cases involving police actions that result in injury or death. As the Cota family embarks on their legal journey, they reflect on what should have been an ordinary day that turned into a life-altering nightmare. Both Gabriel and Violeta hope that their experience will shed light on issues of police accountability and encourage a dialogue about necessary reforms within the Saratoga Springs Police Department and law enforcement at large. Their story serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of police encounters and the urgent need for systemic change to protect citizens' rights and safety.