Law enforcement trainee sues Denver, paramedics, and officers over severe injuries from hazing ritual

A police recruit in Denver is taking legal action after having both of his legs amputated following an incident during fight training at the police academy. Victor Moses, 29, claims he lost consciousness and collapsed multiple times during the training session, but was pressured to continue by aggressive officers despite showing warning signs. Moses, who has the sickle cell trait and low blood pressure, was eventually cleared by paramedics to continue the training, which he believes was to support the police.

The lawsuit alleges that the training recruits undergo is a violent initiation process that promotes excessive force and indifference to injuries. Moses’ lawyers argue that his injuries could have been prevented if the training had been stopped when he first showed signs of distress. They claim that Moses was essentially in police custody during the incident and the training continued without his consent.

After the incident, Moses spent over four months in the hospital, had both legs amputated, and underwent hand surgery. He now faces challenges in everyday life, including learning to walk with prosthetics and living with constant phantom pain. Despite his struggles, Moses had hoped to pursue a career in law enforcement to connect with people in a meaningful way.

Moses reflects on the incident, questioning what could have been if the training had been halted before it escalated. He expresses disappointment that the alleged hazing and forced continuation of the training led to the permanent loss of his legs and significant health challenges. The Denver Police Department has not commented on the allegations as the legal process unfolds.