A Milton man has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Van Buren County and one of its sheriff’s deputies, alleging excessive force during a 2024 encounter left him with a fractured skull and brain bleed.
John Michael Orndoff, 25, filed the lawsuit Sunday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa against Van Buren County and Deputy Adam McIntyre. The lawsuit alleges McIntyre violated Orndoff’s constitutional rights during an October 15th, 2024 encounter.
According to the complaint, McIntyre saw Orndoff driving a vehicle without license plates. Orndoff parked before a traffic stop was initiated and began walking away. After learning Orndoff’s driving privileges had been revoked, McIntyre told him he would be cited for driving while revoked.
The lawsuit alleges Orndoff objected and asked to speak with the chief deputy. McIntyre then took hold of Orndoff and directed him to put his hands behind his back. The complaint acknowledges Orndoff did not immediately comply, but alleges he did not strike or threaten McIntyre or attempt to flee.
Orndoff alleges that within seconds, McIntyre took him to the ground head-first while controlling his arms, leaving him unable to protect his head. The lawsuit claims Orndoff struck the concrete, lost consciousness and began convulsing. It alleges he suffered a skull fracture and brain bleed and was initially taken to Van Buren County Hospital before being flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Court records show Orndoff was later convicted of driving with a revoked license and interference with official acts stemming from the encounter.
The federal lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for alleged violations of Orndoff’s constitutional rights as well as alleged assault and battery.
Van Buren County had not filed a response to the allegations as of the reporting reviewed this week.
The lawsuit remains pending, and the allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court.