Two
of the three Collier County sheriff's deputies sued by Rush guitarist Alex
Lifeson — who alleged they'd used excessive force when arresting him
during a 2003 New Year's Eve party in Naples, Florida — have filed a
countersuit claiming
the guitarist assaulted them when they attempted to
escort his son Justin Zivojinovich from the event at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
According to The Associated Press, the suit follows the June filing of
Lifeson's action, which seeks unspecified monetary damages for injuries, pain
and suffering, mental anguish and legal defense fees (see "Rush
Guitarist Sues Over Florida Hotel Altercation"). The Ritz-Carlton, which
was also named in Lifeson's suit, is listed as a plaintiff in the countersuit
filed over the weekend.
The countersuit argues that the sheriff's deputies acted properly when they arrested
Lifeson's son, the AP reports; Justin Zivojinovich was charged with resisting
arrest with violence.
Lifeson (born Alex Zivojinovich) was celebrating the advent of 2004 with relatives
and friends at the hotel when the incident occurred (see "Rush
Guitarist Considers Suit Alleging Police Brutality"). Lifeson's son and some
of his friends climbed onto a performance platform while the house band was taking
a break. Security called deputies in to escort Justin from the premises.
