Arguments in the case of Bret Breunig’s death began Aug. 13.
Breunig was dropped off in the San Timoteo Canyon by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies on Aug. 18, 2021—where he was fatally hit by a train.
Deborah Moller, Breunig’s mother, brings the suit. Her third amended complaint brings eight causes of action, including failure to protect, a state created danger and violation of Health and Safety Code Section 1317.
Breunig was requesting treatment at Loma Linda University Medical Center for an infected leg, the complaint says. Hospital employees called sheriff’s deputies to remove him. The complaint does not say why the employees considered the deputies necessary.
When he left with deputies, Breunig was reportedly wearing only a hospital gown, and was not wearing shoes, the complaint said. He did not have money or his cell phone on him, and did not have crutches to help him walk.
Deputies dropped him off near a train crossing in the San Timoteo Canyon. The complaint says he wandered onto the train crossing, and was struck by the train.
The suit was filed July 27, 2022.
Kevin and Ashley Conlogue of Conlogue Law represent Moller.
Shannon Gustafson and Amy Margolies represent the county defendants.
California Central District Judge Dale Fischer presides in Courtroom 7D of the First Street Courthouse in Los Angeles.
Case No. 5:22-cv-01306
Read our previous coverage:
Officers, LLUMC sued for patient’s death by train
San Timoteo Canyon death by train: Mother amends suit against law enforcement, hospital
