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Victims file lawsuit against I.C.E. agent in tow truck beating

ORLANDO, Fla. — A lawsuit has been filed after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer was accused of helping his son brutally attack tow truck drivers in Orange County earlier this year.

The incident was caught on several surveillance cameras, which even show the suspect, Pablo Morales, pulling out a handgun, authorities said. Now, he and his son are facing more legal trouble.

According to the report, Morales, his son, Diego Morales, and a friend showed up at the tow yard after Morales' son's car was towed from downtown Orlando one night in January.

Ryan Kirk and his two employees still carry physical reminders of the fight in which they were brutally attacked.

The victims said their injuries are costing them thousands of dollars.

"About $10,000 right now in medical bills," said Kirk.

The 15-minute video shows Pablo Morales punch one of the tow truck drivers, and then everyone jumps into the action.

At one point, Morales can also be seen reaching into his bag and pulling out a 9 mm handgun, waving it from side to side.

But according to the police report, Morales said he took his firearm out for protection.

However, after waving his gun, video shows Morales walk toward his son, who is punching one of the victims on the ground, and he joins in while his son kicks the man, authorities said.

Kirk told Channel 9 he doesn't remember much of the fight, but he does remember the moment where he's pinned on the ground by one man while another kicks him from behind.

The victim told Channel 9 that at one point, Morales showed his federal badge and even identified himself as a federal agent.

"Being as big as I am, I feel absolutely helpless being I had a gun pointed straight at my face," said victim James Breeden.

Attorney Rick Martindale, who is representing all three victims in their lawsuit, said each of them have received at least $15,000 in damages from Morales and his son and may need more to cover future medical bills.

"We're obviously suing for money damages," said Martindale. "What that amount is, we don't know at this point. They are still going to the doctor."

"We're not any different than anybody else," said Kirk. "You put your hands on us, it's assault."

The attorney representing Pablo Morales in his criminal case couldn't comment on the impending lawsuit. But as for his criminal charges, she said her client only acted in self-defense.