(Image Source: CJOnline.com)


BY MILA MIMICA

ANCHOR ERICA COGHILL

A man sentenced to ten years in prison for holding a couple hostage in Kansas is now suing the victims of the attack. Kansas City’s WDAF explains.

“[Jesse] Dimmick claims that after breaking into the Rowley home, he offered the couple an unspecified amount of money to hide him from police, who he claims were ‘trying to kill me.’ Dimmick claims that the couple agreed to hide him, ‘therefore forging a legally-binding oral contract.’”

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports, in September 2009, 23-year-old Dimmick was in a vehicle chase with police. Officers punctured his vehicle’s tires, and Dimmick sought refuge in the Rowley home.

“The Rowleys said Dimmick entered their home and confronted them at knifepoint ... the couple gained his trust by eating Cheetos and drinking Dr. Pepper with him while watching the movie ‘Patch Adams.’ [They] fled the house after Dimmick fell asleep.”

After the Rowleys fled, police entered the house. An officer’s rifle accidentally went off, and Dimmick was shot. In a handwritten note, Dimmick explains why he’s suing.

“As a result of the plaintiffs breech (sic) of contract, I, the defendant suffered a gunshot to my back, which almost killed me. The hospital bills alone are in excess of $160,000, which I have no way to pay.”

Kansas City’s The Pitch reports Dimmick is representing himself, and hasn’t exemplified a model prisoner.

“He's been disciplined for lying, fighting, violating published orders, talking without permission, and unauthorized dealing or trading.”

Dimmick filed a separate suit last year against the city of Topeka and the officer who accidentally shot him, seeking damages in excess of 70,000 dollars. That hearing is set for April of next year.