More than a dozen Saline County sheriff’s officers, employees named in 2025 trial following suspicious death on I-30

Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Saline County Officials Over 2022 Pedestrian Death

A significant legal challenge is unfolding in Arkansas, where a federal lawsuit has been filed against a large contingent of Saline County officials. The lawsuit was initiated by the mother of Daniel Barajas, who tragically lost his life on Interstate 30 due to a series of unfortunate events.

The events surrounding Barajas’ death are highly contentious, with allegations that law enforcement officers failed to properly care for the 38-year-old after they confronted him while he was sleeping in his car. Despite no evidence of any wrongdoing being found following a thorough search, the officers ordered Barajas not to drive due to his alleged mental state. However, they then left him to fend for himself on the interstate, where he was eventually struck and killed by multiple vehicles.

The lawsuit, filed under the Civil Rights Act, names multiple high-ranking officials, including Sheriff Rodney Wright, seven sheriff’s department officers, county coroner Kevin Cleghorn, and deputy coroner R. Allyn West. The family and their supporters contend that the officers’ actions directly led to Barajas’ death and violated his civil rights.

The investigation into the incident has been marred by disputes over evidence, with significant portions of the coroner’s report mysteriously disappearing, and no video footage from body cameras being released. The lawsuit suggests a lack of transparency and potentially racial motivations behind the officers’ actions, adding fuel to the allegations of wrongdoing.

The case has garnered attention from national organizations such as the League of United American Citizens (LULAC), which has issued a strong warning to law enforcement officers who engage in actions that may violate civil rights. As the lawsuit moves forward, it is poised to shed light on the actions of public officials and ensure that justice is served for the Barajas family.

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