Andrew Tornetta, a fan who allegedly punched a police horse outside the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles NFC Championship Game, has filed a Philadelphia police assault lawsuit against the Philadelphia Eagles, multiple police officers, and a Pennsylvania state trooper. The civil complaint, originally filed in May 2018, alleges assault and battery, excessive force, and false arrest, claiming Tornetta was beaten, wrongfully detained, and unfairly portrayed in media coverage.

Tornetta denies punching the police horse and asserts he was struck repeatedly with police batons, leaving him with physical injuries and emotional trauma. His lawsuit seeks damages for physical pain, psychological suffering, and reputational harm. police horse at a major sporting event.

According to the lawsuit, Tornetta alleges he was assaulted by:

• Philadelphia police officer Paul Tinneny
• Pennsylvania state trooper Wesley Van Wyk

The complaint states that Tornetta was hit multiple times with batons, causing injuries to his head, skull, and face. He further alleges that police used unnecessary force and failed to follow proper procedures when attempting to control the situation.

The lawsuit also names the Philadelphia Eagles, claiming the team failed to properly train security personnel involved in the confrontation.

Police officers publicly stated that the incident began when Tornetta became “verbally combative” after being instructed to leave an overcrowded parking lot. Officers claim Tornetta resisted, fought to get loose, and allegedly punched the police horse twice before striking a state trooper.

As a result, police filed multiple criminal charges against him, including aggravated assault. These charges were later dropped after Tornetta completed 12 hours of community service and paid court-related fees.

The civil lawsuit was filed on Tornetta’s behalf by Philadelphia trial attorney Steven F. Marino of Marino Associates. According to the complaint, the incident and subsequent media portrayal “demonized” Tornetta and caused significant personal and emotional harm.

Tornetta claims he suffered:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Trauma and emotional distress
• Humiliation and embarrassment
• Sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression

The civil case was settled in September 2019 for an undisclosed amount. The settlement terms were not made public.

Incidents involving police misconduct, excessive force, and false arrest often raise serious civil rights concerns. Cases like Tornetta’s highlight the need for:

• Proper police training
• Accountability
• Fair media representation
• Legal protections for individuals injured during arrests

This case also gained national attention due to its unusual circumstances and the involvement of a police horse at a major sporting event.