SAN DIEGO -- A man hoping to do his civic duty claims he wound up bruised and behind bars.

For 77-year-old John Stephens, the injuries have healed, but the memories have yet to fade.

"I remember thinking, 'What is going on here?'" said Stephens, a retired school bus driver and former Navy sailor.

In July 2010, Stephens was summoned to jury at the downtown courthouse. He walked into the courthouse with his wife, and then placed his watch in the basket as he prepared to go through a security checkpoint.

However, Stephens' implants from knee surgery set off the metal detector, so a deputy took him aside and used a hand-held to inspect him. At that point, Stephens said someone grabbed his belongings.

"I looked over and saw this gentleman with my watch and belt, and I said, 'Hey,'" said Stephens.

Stephens' wife, Elizabeth, said, "He never moved his arms down from that position."

Stephens never finished his sentence because he said a deputy surprised him.

"Next thing I knew I was on the floor and the guy was twisting my arm to the point of breaking it … I felt his knee coming into me … next thing I know I'm on the ground. There were three of them twisting every way they could," Stephens told 10News.

The incident left him upset and in pain.

"One arm was bruised and purple for three to four weeks," said Stephens.

Stephens was also handcuffed and under arrest for obstruction. Charges were never filed, but Stephens filed a civil suit against San Diego County for the abuse inflicted on him by deputies and false arrest.

"He clearly was not a danger to anyone. This is the worst case of abuse by [a] sheriff's deputy at the courthouse," said Stephens' attorney, Mary Frances Prevost.

Elizabeth Stephens added, "They could have done irreparable damage. It's not right, it's not right."

Stephens said he thought the right thing was going to jury duty. He's not so sure anymore.

"It was astounding. I came down for this? All I'm trying to do is go to jury duty," Stephens said.

County attorneys declined to comment due to pending litigation.

Stephens' wife tracked down the man who took her husband's watch and other items, and was able to get the items back. The man was not charged with theft.

Prevost said she believes there is surveillance tape, but has yet to obtain it.