Carrollton PD Sued for Civil Right Violations

[joe817]

"CARROLLTON, Texas - Police dashcam video is at the heart of a federal civil rights violation lawsuit. A man claims he was roughed up by officers while he was trying to conduct legitimate business in Carrollton. He was threatened again when he filed a public records request, according to his attorney."

He's a CHL holder who was cuffed after declaring he had a CHL.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/030910 ... violations" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The video is 3:49 long. This aired last night at the 10pm news on Dallas KDFW.

[gemini]

I saw the dash cam video last night and again this morning on the news. From the vid clips I
saw, I think the cop was totally out of line. The section where his field supervisor tells him he
might want to "smooth things over" prior to letting the man go, and hearing them laugh, was
just plain wrong on several levels.
The man was not resisting, he told them he had a CHL before the police even asked for ID.
Then was thrown around and put on the ground. Disarmed etc.
I have several long time friends in law enforcement. I support and respect the job they do.
But, this kind of incident not only violated this mans rights, was a clear abuse of power,
it was totally unnecessary to control the situation and
it damages the public trust.
I hold LEO's to a higher standard of conduct. This type of scene hurts community relations.

[Keith B]

Don't think this guy is gonna have to sell cars anymore after they get done with the suit. The both the officer in the field and the one that tried to coerce him into not following through were way out of line and they should be reviewed for suspension pending termination.

[texxas guy]

cha-ching $$$$$$$ Looks like he's got some pretty strong evidence. You never know with the court system though.

[causeican]

I saw this last night on the news and couldn't believe my eyes. I think there are way too many frivolous law suits in this day and age, but from what I saw this one is certainly justified. The LEO's in this case give all LEO's a bad name.

[KC5AV]

CPD will probably say that interpreted him getting out of the vehicle and announcing that he had a CHL as a 'threat'.

[camlott]

This seems like it should be a pretty easy case to win.

However, it wasn't the smartest move to hop out of the car the way he did without being asked to.

[tallmike]

They certainly acted out of line, but the fact that they arrested him for the incident when he came back to pick up the video of it REALLY made me go "wow"

I am glad he has the courage to file the lawsuit. I hope those officers lose their jobs over this.

[M9FAN]

Don't think this guy is gonna have to sell cars anymore after they get done with the suit. The both the officer in the field and the one that tried to coerce him into not following through were way out of line and they should be reviewed for suspension pending termination.

[C-dub]

Does anyone know why the police were there in the first place?

[gigag04]

The first part I can understand. Someone getting out of a vehicle during a contact and stating they have a weapon is a HUGE issue. The officer told him to get back in the vehicle, then tried to push him back in, and after those failed he executed a straight arm bar takedown as the subject approached him. I don't think this part will get them in trouble.

The second part of the story, the part w/o video is where he has a very strong case - it just may be tough to prove. If there was in fact malicious conduct at the station I hope it is prosecuted. I'll be watching this one.

[joe817]

Someone getting out of a vehicle during a contact and stating they have a weapon is a HUGE issue.

gigag04, I totally agree with that. But I don't think that was the case. Didn't he state he had a CHL before the LEO found the gun? That's what his attorney is claiming. It looked like the policeman was putting him in the arm bar takedown after he said he had a CHL. But then again, I don't know what words were spoken before the guy started getting out of the car.

But IMO that was a mistake unto itself. He should have stayed in the car.

And all I'm doing is speculating, which proves nothing. And speculating leads to rumors which is counter productive, so I'll quit.

This will be interesting to follow.

[ninemm]

Does anyone know why the police were there in the first place?

Someone reported seeing the car salesman removing the plates on the car so he could install buyer's plates and thought it looked suspicious. He was there delivering the car. When he arrived, the plates were in the window of the car. He was putting them where they belong.

[garcia946]

Granted CPD was way out of line, but I think if the guy remained in the car everything would have turned out different.

[Dragonfighter]

I know the chief and that seems totally out of line with his outlook. I wonder what's up in his office?