TAMPA The longtime caregiver for Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan's mother is suing the Tampa Police Department for more than $15,000, claiming he was falsely arrested for stealing money from the woman.

In civil court papers filed Wednesday, William Guevara, 59, claims his July 8, 2004, arrest on charges of grand theft, exploitation of the elderly and fraudulent use of a credit card caused "bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering" and cost him $7,500 in attorney fees.

Guevara was accused of withdrawing $25,000 using the ATM card of Ruth Bollea, mother of Terry Bollea, who is known as Hulk Hogan. Guevara cared for Ruth Bollea for 10 years.

The charges against Guevara were dropped by the state attorney's office, and detectives eventually accused one of Bollea's family members, according to the suit.

Guevara's attorney, David Farash, said police rushed to judgment in the case.

The suit alleges Terry Bollea made statements that led police to believe Guevara stole the money and that Bollea gave a detective an autograph during the investigation.

Police spokeswoman Laura McElroy, who was not aware of the case Wednesday, would not comment.