Pfaendler Lawsuit 2022
In 2019, Freedom Christopher Pfaendler filed a lawsuit against the town of Sahuarita, Arizona, and five Sahuarita police officers after he was arrested at Walmart for allegedly acting suspiciously. Pfaendler claimed that he was racially profiled and falsely arrested, and that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated.
Background
On December 14, 2019, Pfaendler went to Walmart to buy a few items. He was wearing a hoodie and sunglasses, which he said he often did because he is autistic and sensitive to light and noise.
While Pfaendler was shopping, a Walmart employee called the police and reported that he was acting suspiciously. The employee said that Pfaendler was looking at people strangely and pacing back and forth.
When the police arrived, they approached Pfaendler and asked him what he was doing. Pfaendler told the police that he was just shopping and that he had done nothing wrong.
The police asked Pfaendler for his identification, but he did not have it with him. Pfaendler told the police that he lived nearby and could go home to get his ID. However, the police refused to let him leave and arrested him for disorderly conduct.
Pfaendler was taken to the police station and booked. He was released a few hours later without being charged.
The Lawsuit
In December 2019, Pfaendler filed a lawsuit against the town of Sahuarita and five Sahuarita police officers. Pfaendler claimed that he was racially profiled and falsely arrested, and that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated.
Pfaendler’s lawsuit alleged that the Walmart employee who called the police was motivated by racial bias. Pfaendler is a white man, but he has a long beard and hair, which he wears in dreadlocks. Pfaendler also alleged that the police officers who arrested him did not have probable cause to do so.
Outcome
In 2022, the case was dismissed by a federal judge. The judge ruled that the police officers had probable cause to arrest Pfaendler based on the Walmart employee’s report.
However, Pfaendler has appealed the judge’s ruling. The case is currently pending before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Conclusion
The Pfaendler lawsuit is a significant case because it raises important questions about racial profiling and police misconduct. The outcome of the case could have implications for people across the country.
FAQs
Q: What is racial profiling?
A: Racial profiling is the practice of using race or ethnicity as a factor in deciding who to stop or search. Racial profiling is a form of discrimination and is illegal under federal law.
Q: What are the Fourth Amendment rights?
A: The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that the police cannot search or seize someone without probable cause.
Q: What is probable cause?
A: Probable cause is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed. The police must have probable cause before they can stop, search, or arrest someone.
Q: Why is the Pfaendler lawsuit important?
A: The Pfaendler lawsuit is important because it raises important questions about racial profiling and police misconduct. The outcome of the case could have implications for people across the country.
Q: What is the status of the Pfaendler lawsuit?
A: The Pfaendler lawsuit is currently pending before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Q: What can I do to help fight racial profiling?
A: There are a number of things you can do to help fight racial profiling. You can:
- Learn about racial profiling and how to identify it.
- Educate others about racial profiling.
- Speak out against racial profiling when you see it happening.
- Report racial profiling to the appropriate authorities.
References
- Pfaendler v. Sahuarita, Town of et al, No. 4:2020cv00188: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/arizona/azdce/4:2020cv00188/1240649/73/
- SPD officers off the hook in 2019 Walmart arrest: https://www.gvnews.com/news/spd-officers-off-the-hook-in-2019-walmart-arrest/article_50f2d90c-b6cd-11ec-9c5c-6fb5f05816dd.html
- [What is racial profiling
Post Comment