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California Unlawful Arrest and Excessive Force Nets $90,000
The City of Salinas, California paid a Daly City man $90,000 to settle his lawsuit for unlawful arrest, detention and excessive force.
Maurice Goodman, an African American staff paralegal for the San Mateo County Superior Court, and coach and team president of the Daly City youth football team took his team, girlfriend and five children to Salinas for weekend football games.
While walking from his hotel room to his car on September 17, 2005, Goodman was stopped by Salinas police officer Joel Anaya. When Anaya questioned Goodman about his actions, room number and whether he used drugs, Goodman said he had done nothing to justify a police stop. As Goodman turned to leave, Anaya grabbed his shoulder and said, “Why did you hit me?” When Goodman turned around, Anaya had his Taser out. Three other officers arrived. They asked Goodman for his identification, then ordered him to back up, grabbed him, twisting his arm behind his back and handcuffing him.
Goodman was arrested and confined for resisting arrest and battery on an officer. He was released from jail the next day but missed the youth football games. After a bench trial, Goodman was acquitted of all charges.
On November 17, 2006, Goodman sued the City of Salinas, the police chief and the officers involved, alleging unlawful arrest, detention and excessive force. On June 12, 2007, the City agreed to pay Goodman $90,000 to settle the suit, but denied liability. See: Goodman v. City of Salinas, USDC, N.D. Cal., No. 5:06-cv-07161-JF.
Maurice Goodman, an African American staff paralegal for the San Mateo County Superior Court, and coach and team president of the Daly City youth football team took his team, girlfriend and five children to Salinas for weekend football games.
While walking from his hotel room to his car on September 17, 2005, Goodman was stopped by Salinas police officer Joel Anaya. When Anaya questioned Goodman about his actions, room number and whether he used drugs, Goodman said he had done nothing to justify a police stop. As Goodman turned to leave, Anaya grabbed his shoulder and said, “Why did you hit me?” When Goodman turned around, Anaya had his Taser out. Three other officers arrived. They asked Goodman for his identification, then ordered him to back up, grabbed him, twisting his arm behind his back and handcuffing him.
Goodman was arrested and confined for resisting arrest and battery on an officer. He was released from jail the next day but missed the youth football games. After a bench trial, Goodman was acquitted of all charges.
On November 17, 2006, Goodman sued the City of Salinas, the police chief and the officers involved, alleging unlawful arrest, detention and excessive force. On June 12, 2007, the City agreed to pay Goodman $90,000 to settle the suit, but denied liability. See: Goodman v. City of Salinas, USDC, N.D. Cal., No. 5:06-cv-07161-JF.
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Related legal case
Goodman v. City of Salinas
| Year | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC, N.D. Cal., No. 5:06-cv-07161-JF |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | $90,000 |
No other information is currently available.