FORMER EMPLOYEE SUES BOB HOPE AIRPORT.

Byline: JASON KANDEL Staff Writer

BURBANK -- A former Bob Hope Airport police officer has filed suit against the airport, claiming racial discrimination and wrongful termination.

Michael Gomez alleges he was humiliated in front of other officers and discriminated against because he is Latino.

``He's been subjected to unlawful employment practices which have prevented him from working,'' said his attorney, Kevin C. Boyle. ``They terminated him for unlawful reasons which have prevented him from continuing his career and interrupted his ability to earn a living.''

The suit filed April 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court seeks unspecified damages for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress and mental suffering.

Airport spokesman Victor Gill said airport officials do not comment on pending cases.

The suit says Gomez was fired Sept. 2, 2005, following a fight with a fellow officer, even though he did not instigate it and had received satisfactory and exemplary marks in annual reviews in 2003 and 2004.

The suit also said he was treated differently than his non-Latino colleagues, such as berating only him for duties performed by various officers.

jason.kandel(at)dailynews.com

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