CJ-2025-8300 - Lliusa Carranza v. City of Oklahoma City

What's This Case About?

Let’s get one thing straight: a police officer flung a woman into a garage. Not wrestled. Not subdued. Not even touched—according to the officer’s own later-discredited excuse—before launching her like a human projectile into someone’s storage space like it was a scene from a slapstick cartoon. And somehow, this wasn’t the punchline. It was September 9, 2024, in Oklahoma City, and what should’ve been a routine noise complaint spiraled into a full-blown constitutional dumpster fire, now immortalized in a lawsuit that reads like a satire of police misconduct—except it’s real, and someone is demanding $175,000 for being turned into a garage-bound pinball.

Meet Lliusa Carranza, a woman just trying to enjoy a backyard hangout with friends at 5506 Rockwood Avenue. Music was playing, the vibe was chill, and then—because someone in the neighborhood had a curfew-fueled vendetta against joy—Oklahoma City Police Officer Rasaun Gordon showed up. His mission? To enforce the sacred silence of suburban evenings. His method? Apparently, physics-defying force. According to the petition, Gordon told the group to pack it up and go inside. No argument, no resistance—just compliance. The music went off, coolers were grabbed, and everyone started moving. But Gordon, allegedly dissatisfied with the pace of their cleanup, decided to up the stakes. He threatened to arrest Lliusa and the “homeboys” if he had to come back. Then, as Lliusa stood several feet away—arms crossed, not moving, not speaking, not even breathing aggressively—he charged her. And then, in what can only be described as a move more suited to a WWE highlight reel than a police encounter, he threw her into the garage. Not pushed. Not guided. Flung. As in, she flew. A woman of “slight frame,” the filing emphasizes, was sent airborne into a concrete storage unit like she was auditioning for a low-budget action movie.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Wait, did she at least do something?”—like, maybe trip him, or flick a beer cap at his badge—nope. According to the lawsuit, she didn’t lay a finger on him. But when she got up, bleeding from her elbow and probably questioning the laws of gravity, she did the one thing you’re supposed to do when a cop goes full Hulk: she asked for his badge number. And that’s when Officer Gordon allegedly cooked up a story on the spot, claiming she “touched his shoulder”—a flimsy excuse that barely qualifies as a pretext. Then came the coup de grâce: he threw her to the ground, “catapulted” her over (a phrase we’d love to see in a police training manual), cuffed her, and declared she was going to jail. Not for noise. Not for disorderly conduct. For the crime of existing near a cooler after dark.

He dragged her to the car, where she calmly gave her name and asked to speak to a supervisor. Gordon’s response? “Supervisor’s busy—murder in Newcastle.” Cool, cool. So while a murder investigation unfolds miles away, this guy gets to play judge, jury, and human catapult in a residential driveway. And instead of booking her, he takes her to a sobering facility—despite, the filing notes, showing zero signs of intoxication. No slurred speech. No stumbling. No empty bottles in her hand. Just blood on her elbow and a story that sounds increasingly like a fever dream.

Now, here’s the twist that makes this whole thing even juicier: Officer Rasaun Gordon already pleaded guilty to crimes related to this incident. The filing cites case number CM-2024-4105, confirming that the guy didn’t even try to fight it in criminal court. He admitted he did something wrong. And yet—somehow—this civil case still needs to happen. Why? Because pleading guilty to a crime doesn’t automatically compensate the victim. That’s where Lliusa Carranza, represented by Ronald Jones II of The Jones Firm, PLLC, steps in with a $175,000 demand. And let’s be real: that number isn’t just about the medical bills (though those are included). It’s about the indignity. The humiliation. The fact that she was treated like a ragdoll in front of her friends and neighbors. The blood on her elbow. The lie about the shoulder touch. The garage. The garage.

So what exactly is she suing for? Two big things: unlawful seizure and excessive force. In plain English, that means: (1) you can’t just grab someone and throw them into a building without legal justification, and (2) you definitely can’t use cartoon-level violence on a non-threatening person. These aren’t niche legal theories—they’re basic civil rights, protected under both the U.S. and Oklahoma constitutions. And by naming not just Gordon but also the Oklahoma City Police Department and the City of Oklahoma City, the lawsuit is arguing that this wasn’t just one rogue cop—it’s a systemic failure. Maybe the department trained him poorly. Maybe they ignored red flags. Maybe they’ve seen this behavior before and looked the other way. Either way, the city could be on the hook for what its employee did while wearing the uniform.

Now, is $175,000 a lot for getting yeeted into a garage? Let’s do the math. It’s not a life-changing sum for a city. It’s less than what some police settlements cost when someone dies. But for a single incident involving no drugs, no violence, no resistance—just a woman standing still and getting launched into a storage unit? It’s actually kind of low. Especially when you factor in the emotional toll, the medical treatment, the lost wages (if any), and the sheer absurdity of having to explain to your therapist why a cop thought your garage was a holding cell. This isn’t just about money. It’s about sending a message: you don’t get to treat people like furniture, even if you later say “oops” in criminal court.

Our take? The most absurd part isn’t even the flinging—it’s the excuse. “She touched my shoulder.” That’s the best he could come up with? Not “she swung at me,” not “she ran,” not “she had a weapon”—just a phantom shoulder tap, like she committed battery by accidentally brushing against his sleeve. And then, instead of calling for backup or de-escalating, he turns into a human trebuchet. Meanwhile, the supervisor is “attending to a murder in Newcastle,” which sounds less like an explanation and more like a line from a cop sitcom where every precinct is understaffed and everyone’s just making up rules as they go.

We’re not rooting for chaos. We’re not rooting for vendettas. But we are rooting for accountability. For the record to reflect that you can’t just throw people into garages because they’re not moving fast enough for your liking. For Lliusa Carranza to get more than just an apology. And for future officers to think twice before deciding that a noise complaint requires the force of a medieval siege engine. Because if this case teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes, justice doesn’t come from a gavel. It comes from asking for a badge number—and refusing to let the story end in a garage.

Case Overview

$175,000 Demand Petition

Jurisdiction

District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

Filing Attorney

Ronald Jones II

The Jones Firm, PLLC

Relief Sought

$175,000 Monetary

Plaintiffs

Lliusa Carranza individual
Rep: Ronald Jones II

Defendants

City of Oklahoma City government
Oklahoma City Police Department government
Rasaun Gordon individual

Claims

#	Cause of Action	Description
1	unlawful seizure	Officer Rasaun Gordon flung Lliusa Carranza into a garage without her posing any physical threat to him.
2	excessive force	Officer Rasaun Gordon used excessive force against Lliusa Carranza during an arrest.

Petition Text

1,267 words

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA LLIUSA CARRANZA, Petitioner, v. THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, and OFFICER RASAUN GORDON, in his individual and official capacities, Respondents. PETITION Plaintiff Lliusa Carranza for her causes of action against Defendants, hereby states as follows: OVERVIEW On September 09, 2024, Officer Rasaun Gordon flung Lliusa Carranza into a garage without her posing any physical threat to him. Gordon then cuffed and dragged Lluisa to his car. When Lliusa requested his supervisor, Gordon stalled and never contacted anyone. Gordon completed his assault and unlawful seizure by taking Lliusa to a sobering facility despite lacking probable cause of excessive intoxication. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 1. Lliusa Carranza is a resident of Oklahoma County. 2. Defendant The City of Oklahoma City is a municipal corporation located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. 3. Defendant Oklahoma City Police Department is located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. 4. Defendant Rasaun Gordon acted under his employment against as an Oklahoma City Police Officer against Lliusa Carranza. 5. The events leading to the cause of action occurred at 5506 Rockwood Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. 6. The City of Oklahoma City received Lliusa’s government tort claim (Exhibit “1”), submitted by undersigned counsel, on April 22, 2025. 7. The jurisdiction and venue within this court are proper. FACTS On September 09, 2024, Gordon arrives at 5506 Rockwood Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73119, and tells a group of people, including Llulisa, to go inside the house due to a noise complaint. They begin packing up, grabbing the cooler, speaker, etc. The music is off. Officer Gordon alleges they aren't moving fast enough and threatens to take Llulisa and the “homeboys” to jail if he must return. As Llulisa stands several feet away from Gordon, with her arms crossed, making no movements, he charges Llulisa and throws her in the garage. Llulisa, a woman of a slight frame, flies into the garage. She gets up and asks for his badge number. He lies about her “touching his shoulder,” throws Llulisa to the ground, catapults her over, cuffs her, and says she’s going to jail. He walks Llulisa out to the car, and she gives him her name and asks to speak with her supervisor. Gordon alleges the supervisor is “attending to” a murder in Newcastle. As he continues to harass and threaten Llulisa, you can see the blood dripping from her elbow. Gordon takes Llulisa to a detox center, though he does not indicate that she is in any way inebriated or threatening to anyone. Gordon has since pleaded guilty to his crimes against Llulisa in CM-2024-4105. CONCLUSION Lliusa seeks $175,000, in addition to pre and post-judgment interest, court costs, and further relief this court deems necessary for claims of unlawful seizure and excessive force against Rasaun Gordon, the City of Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma City Police Department, arising from Gordon’s actions against her while under color of law. Gordon’s actions violate Section 30 of the Oklahoma Constitution. 1. Unlawful seizure against Rasaun Gordon, Oklahoma City Police Department and The City of Oklahoma City: Based on the aforementioned facts. 2. Excessive force against Rasaun Gordon, Oklahoma City Police Department and The City of Oklahoma City: Based on the aforementioned facts. Respectfully submitted, [signature] Ronald Jones II, OBA No. 33754 The Jones Firm, PLLC 512 NW 12th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Telephone: 405.930.4209 [email protected] Attorney for Petitioner CLAIM FORM FAXED CLAIM FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED City Clerk's Office - Claims 200 North Walker, 2nd Floor Oklahoma City, OK 73102 PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT IN INK. CLAIMANT'S INFORMATION: (Each person making a claim must file a separate claim) Last Name Carranza First Name Lulisa Address 3212 S.W. 50th Street City Oklahoma City State OK Zip Code 73119 Home Phone (405) 617-9459 Daytime Phone (405) 617-9459 Email [email protected] Date and time of damage September 15, 2024 at 3:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. am/pm month day year time Address where damage occurred 5506 Rockwood Avenue If Claimant is not the owner of the damaged property, provide owner's name, address and daytime phone number. n/a CLAIMANT IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ALL DOCUMENTS TO SUPPORT HIS/HER CLAIM. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION AND/OR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MAY DELAY INVESTIGATION OF YOUR CLAIM. Give a brief description of what happened. Include the name of the City Department and/or employee involved, and a complete description of the City vehicle or property alleged to be involved in the incident. Provide any evidence that will prove the City or a City employee was responsible. If additional space is required, attach additional sheets. You must provide photographs of the damage(s) to support your claim. Furthermore, if you are alleging damages because of a pothole or other street defect you MUST provide pictures of the alleged pothole/defect. We cannot return documentation or photographs or make copies for you. Please keep copies of any documents you send. See attached letter. INSURANCE INFORMATION: Are you currently receiving Medicare? ☑ Yes ☐ No. If yes, list Medicare/Medicaid insurance information on page 2 Have you filed a claim with your insurance company for these damages? ☑ Yes ☐ No. If yes, submit a copy of your claim. Have you been, or do you expect to be, compensated for your damages by your insurance company? ☑ Yes ☐ No. What was or will be the amount of compensation from your insurance company? $ See attached statements. List the name of your insurance company, the policy number, and the agent's name, address and phone number. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (See attached insurance card.) (IF ADDITIONAL SPACE IS REQUIRED TO DESCRIBE DAMAGES, ATTACH ADDITIONAL SHEET(S) TO FORM) PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE (other than vehicle): List items damaged. List each item damaged, age of item and original cost. Also list costs to repair or replace the items. If damage is to your home, attach copy of deed. Attach receipts or estimates to verify the amounts claimed and photographs of damaged property. Amount Claimed 1. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 4. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ TOTAL AMOUNT CLAIMED $ __________________ PERSONAL INJURY: List bodily injuries, cost of medical treatment to date, and anticipated medical cost. Provide documentation to support all damages claimed. Were you on the job at the time of the injury? ☐ Yes ✓ No. If so, what is the name of your employer? Amount Claimed 1. See attached statements ____________________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ TOTAL AMOUNT CLAIMED $ __________________ Has any medical bill been paid or will be paid by Medicare/Medicaid? ☐ Yes ✓ No. If so, list Medicare/Medicaid number. Medicare/Medicaid Number ________________________________ SSN# 605-72-5379 Date of Birth 02/04/1994 Gender Female If the City is responsible for such bills, the City must report any settlement to Medicare/Medicaid. I understand that the information requested is to assist the requesting insurance information arrangement to accurately coordinate benefits with Medicare/Medicaid and to meet its mandatory reporting obligation under Medicare Secondary Payer Act 42 U.S.C.§1395y Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiary Name (please print) ___________________________ Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiary Name Signature ___________________________ VEHICLE DAMAGE: (A copy of your vehicle title, front and back, is required) List vehicle damage. ACTUAL REPAIR BILLS OR AT LEAST TWO ESTIMATES OF THE COST FOR ALL REPAIRS MUST BE SUBMITTED. List other damages claimed (tires, wrecker, vehicle rental, storage, etc.) List each item damaged, age of item, and original cost. Attach receipts or estimates to verify the amounts claimed and provide photographs of vehicle damage. Amount Claimed 1. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ 4. ______________________________________________________ $ __________________________ TOTAL AMOUNT CLAIMED $ __________________ Claimant must sign form The above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I further state that I have made no payment, given or donated or agreed to pay, give, or donate, either directly or indirectly, to any elected official, officer, or employee of the City of Oklahoma City, money or any other thing of value to obtain payment. Signature of Claimant ___________________________ Date 4/17/05