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Civil Rights
Officer Misconduct
Excessive Force

Raymond Dahlgren v. Pasadena Humane Society, et al.

Published: Jan. 10, 1998 | Result Date: Dec. 19, 1997 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: CV968707HLH –  $5,360

Judge

Harry L. Hupp

Court

USDC Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Cyril S Czajkowskyj


Defendant

Bruce Janger


Experts

Plaintiff

Michael A. Soliman
(medical)

Facts

On Feb. 21, 1996, animal control officers received a report of stray dogs in the vicinity of an elementary school. Officers driving by the school saw plaintiff's unleashed dog on plaintiff's front lawn, which was across the street from the school. When a female officer attempted to check the dog for identification, plaintiff took the dog from her and gave it to his wife and daughter, who took the dog into the house. The plaintiff headed toward his house, telling the officers to get off of his property. Defendant Officer Liske ordered plaintiff to stop, but plaintiff refused. Liske put plaintiff in a hold, the nature of which was disputed by the parties. After plaintiff was released from the hold, he was cited for resisting a public officer in violation of º148 of the Penal Code. The plaintiff brought this action against defendants based on violations of the Federal Civil Rights Act.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff made a settlement offer of $115,000 inclusive of attorney fees and costs. The defendant made an offer of $75,000. According to plaintiff, defendant made a Federal Rule 68 statutory offer of $15,001.

Specials in Evidence

$360

Injuries

The plaintiff claimed abrasions to neck and bruising to his shin that is still visible.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately one year after the case was filed. The jury found for plaintiff on the claim that excessive force was used. The jury found for defendants on the claim that plaintiff was charged with a crime without probable cause. MEDIATION: A three-hour mediation was held before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert N. Block. It did not resolve the matter.

Deliberation

six hours

Poll

8-0

Length

three days


#87268

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