*TV personality Tila Tequila has filed a lawsuit against ex-boyfriend Shawne Merriman over assault accusations from a September altercation in which the San Diego Chargers linebacker was never charged with a crime.
In September, San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis dismissed Tequila’s allegations that Merriman choked her and threw her to the ground while she was trying to leave his suburban home.
According to TMZ.com, Tequila is seeking damages for assault, battery, false imprisonment and emotional distress. Tequila’s lawyer, Cyrus Nownejad, cites photos showing bruises Tequila allegedly suffered from the incident at Merriman’s home.
Merriman was arrested after Tequila signed a citizen’s arrest warrant accusing Merriman of battery and false imprisonment, both felonies. Dumanis decided not to charge Merriman after her office spent three days reviewing reports from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
“After a thorough review of the investigation into the Sept. 6, 2009, incident at the Poway home of Shawne Merriman, our office has determined there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any crime was committed,” Dumanis said in a statement. “This case is now closed. No further comment will be made.”
Merriman said he was trying to keep Tequila from leaving his home because she appeared to be intoxicated, and denied harming her.
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