Timothy and Tyrone Bell v. City of Inglewood, et al.
Published: Jul. 30, 1994 | Result Date: Jul. 14, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV923460LGB – $16,800
Judge
Court
USDC Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Facts
Plaintiffs Timothy and Tyrone Bell are brothers and were owners of a liquor store near the Forum. On June 12, 1991, Tim was 33 years of age and Tyrone was 38 years of age. There was a championship game at the Forum between the Bulls and the Lakers. Defendant Officer Richmond believed that Plaintiff Tim Bell had violated a municipal code. Richmond requested identification from Tim and ordered him to submit to a pat down. Since Tim was on his own (liquor store) property, he refused. Officer Richmond then allegedly struck Tim, one time with a sap. Tim then grabbed the officer's hands, allegedly to keep the officer from again striking the Plaintiff. Other officers then arrived (Friesen and Colonelli) and knocked Tim to the ground, arrested him, and charged him with assault on a police officer. When Tyrone went to help Tim, Officer Friesen allegedly struck (no evidence of this was presented) Tyron and arrested him.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiffs contend they demanded $20,000 and Defendants made no offer. Defendants contend their offer was $25,000 and Plaintiffs' demand was $60,000.
Specials in Evidence
$1,000 (Tim) $800 (Tyrone)
Injuries
Emotional distress (both Plaintiffs). Tim Bell also sustained a lip laceration.
Result
The jury found no liability by Defendant Friesen and yet, assessed damages against this Defendant; a hearing on this issue of jury error will be heard by Judge Baird and is scheduled for August 26, 1994. The jury also found that Freisen had probable cause to arrest Tyrone for resisting, obstructing, and delaying an officer in the exercise of his duties and that Freisen did not use excessive force. The jury was (5.2 in favor of defense) on Tim's claim of excessive force against officer Colonelli.
Other Information
The jury hung (5-2 in favor of liability) on Tim's claim of excessive force against Officer Colonelli.
Deliberation
4.5 days
Poll
7-0
Length
3.5 days
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