An Albuquerque man struggling with mental illness is suing a northern New Mexico county and police officers over a 2013 arrest, claiming they violated his right to preach.
Attorneys for Elijah Dominguez filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque last week against Colfax County and Raton police officers stemming from the 22-year-old's arrest at a Denny's.
According to the lawsuit, Dominguez was unlawfully arrested for preaching at the restaurant about his obscure religious beliefs and positions on gang violence. Documents say he was then denied medical treatment for his schizophrenia.
Colfax County Manager Patricia Gonzales did not immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.
The lawsuit is the latest New Mexico case of law enforcement officers clashing with a suspect with mental illness as advocates push for reforms.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.