NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NC (June 5, 2026) |
Attorneys for Don D. Long II, the 39-year-old Black man who suffered permanent eye damage and vision impairment after being needlessly assaulted by a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, released video of the assault where Deputy Gregory Colson sprayed pepper spray directly to his eyes at close range after Long simply inquired whether he could enter a courtroom at the Northampton County Courthouse. In addition to releasing the videos, Long’s attorneys have filed notice with Sheriff Jack Smith, Northampton County Manager Julian Phillips and other county officials that they intend to file a lawsuit over the unlawful use of force.
Long is represented by renowned national civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels as well as Chantel Cherry-Lassiter.
According to the notice, the incident occurred on January 22 when he arrived at the Northampton County Courthouse as required to appear for a court date. Upon entering the courtroom, he was stopped by Deputy Colson who attempted to prevent him from entering. Long asked to enter the courtroom expressing his concern that failure to appear as required could result in a bench warrant and possible arrest. Rather than addressing those concerns, Deputy Colson instead chose to exit the courtroom himself and discharge pepper spray directly into Mr. Long's eyes even though Long posed no threat and was simply trying to follow the court’s instructions.
Deputy Colson went on to further assault Long who was later detained in a holding cell within the courthouse where, restrained by handcuffs, he continued to suffer in pain unable to wash the pepper spray from his eyes. Eventually, other officers transported Long to the hospital where he was found to have significant injuries and permanent vision impairment. As a commercial truck driver, the damage to his vision Deputy Colson caused is a serious threat to Long’s livelihood.
Long was not charged in connection to the incident.
“It’s amazing,” said Daniels. “You have a man trying to do the right thing and make his court appearance, and not only does Deputy Colson try to prevent him from following the law, he assaults him and permanently damages his vision.”
“This deputy didn’t just fail in his duty. He did the exact opposite.”
Click HERE for copies of the videos and the Notice of Claim.
