Counterclaim lawsuit filed in Casino assault case

A counterclaim lawsuit stemming from an alleged physical altercation with a Bristol, Virginia Police Officer, Lily-Kay Tomlinson, and Stephanie Lynn Bates has been filed. Bates says she and her husband were publicly humiliated, asked for an apology, and were walking away from the situation when Tomlinson allegedly followed them and grabbed Bates from behind. Bates denies the claims made against her and alleges that Tomlinson was the aggressor during the incident at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol. Bates is asking the court to dismiss Tomlinson’s claims and has filed a counterclaim. The filing says the damages are sought for alleged emotional distress, humiliation, and physical injury. A hearing is scheduled for January 26 in Abingdon to consider the motion to dismiss and to address further scheduling in the case.