A Lincoln man who was being held on minor charges when he was found paralyzed in his cell is suing the city of Lincoln and Lancaster County.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Arok Atem’s lawsuit says police should have taken him into emergency protective custody upon his arrest.

Atem walked into a Lincoln hospital with breathing problems last year. He was arrested after becoming belligerent and throwing a phone and computer monitor. Police believe Atem was drunk.

Atem’s attorney, Maren Chaloupka of Scottsbluff, says Atem is mentally ill. The lawsuit she filed this week in Nebraska’s federal court says police should have known Atem was a danger to himself when he was arrested.

It’s unclear how Atem, who is now a quadriplegic, sustained his injuries.