Location: Arlington, Tx
On July 16th I was driving two elderly clients to a job he had to do. On the way there we were pulled over by 3 cop cars. My car is brand new and I drive very safe due to also working for uber so I was confused for the stop.
They had blocked off the highway and drawn their weapons telling me to turn off the car. I looked out the car confused and in shock by the amount of guns pointed at me, but listened to their orders, stepping out the car and backing up and getting on my knees in the middle of the highway.
They put cuffs on me and after asking what was going on they said the car was reported stolen. Which I told them I have the buyers receipt and the proof of financing under my name.
They threw me in the cop car and made my two elderly clients do the same thing, the 70 year old lady had fell on her face when asked to get on her knees.
A different officer got in the car and I asked him what was going on which he replied that he will answer questions later.
I saw him running the plate in the system, after which the officer who cuffed me took me out the car and said we were free to go. That they had ran the plate and were a letter off.
I am trying to understand my rights here as this was beyond excessive, we were never identified nor did the police give any identification. I ended up not ubering the rest of the week due to how much distress this put me in, and my two clients are being told they can sue.
I need some help to be pointed in the right direction if anyone can help.
We were not arrested nor were we charged with anything.
Thank you.
Comments
Unless the department was grossly negligent or intentionally violated your civil rights, there really isn’t anything to sue for. You can complain to the department’s internal affairs but you don’t really have legal recourse.
If your client was hurt during the detainment, there’s a chance she might have a suit, it might make sense for her to contact a personal injury attorney. Many will offer free consultations.
>this was beyond excessive
It was not. Detaining all of the occupants of a motor vehicle during a felony stop, including in handcuffs, is completely standard. Drawing pistols was probably within department protocol.
>we were never identified
You didn’t have to be, once the mistake about the vehicle was revealed.
>nor did the police give any identification
Were they wearing uniforms and badges and driving marked police vehicles with emergency lights ?
>my two clients are being told they can sue
They can consult with personal injury and/or civil rights attorneys. But they should temper their expectations.
>I ended up not ubering the rest of the week due to how much distress this put me in
Police make mistakes of this type, and they’re very upsetting to innocent people. But for better or for worse, they have very strong immunity to suit for making those mistakes.