Facts

On Feb. 28, 2007, plaintiff Martin Williams went to the Alhambra Police Station to pick up his son, 13-month-old Russell Williams, from Russell's mother, Gabriela Cordova, pursuant to a court order. While at the station, Williams reported to the police that he had observed a suspicious injury on Russell and asked that they investigate. Defendant Officer Vaca went to Cordova's home to investigate. Despite a court order to stay-away from Cordova's home, Williams was present at the location while Vaca was interviewing Cordova. Williams was arrested for violation of the court order. No charges were filed against Williams. Williams filed suit for false imprisonment, false arrest, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent training.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Williams contended that it was Vaca who had asked Williams to accompany him (in a separate vehicle) to Cordova's home. Williams informed Vaca of the stay-away court order, but Vaca told him to go anyway. Later, Vaca arrested him for violating the court order.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant countered that Williams, of his own volition, drove up to Cordova's home in the midst of Vaca's interview with Cordova. The defendant argued that Williams was properly arrested for violation of the court order.

Result

Defense verdict.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Jan. 4, 2008.