In 2019, Freedom Christopher Pfaendler was arrested at a Walmart in Sahuarita, Arizona. Pfaendler, who was wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a backpack, was approached by a Walmart manager who asked him to remove his helmet. Pfaendler refused, stating that he was uncomfortable doing so. The manager then called the police.
When the police arrived, they asked Pfaendler to remove his helmet. He again refused, explaining that he was listening to music on his Bluetooth-equipped helmet and that removing it would be unsafe. The officers then ordered Pfaendler to the ground and handcuffed him.
Pfaendler was then searched and arrested. He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The charges against him were later dropped.
The Lawsuit
In 2020, Pfaendler filed a lawsuit against the Town of Sahuarita and the police officers involved in his arrest. In the lawsuit, Pfaendler alleges that he was illegally searched, falsely arrested, maliciously prosecuted, and defamed.
The Issue
The central issue in the lawsuit is whether or not the police officers had probable cause to arrest Pfaendler. The police officers argue that they had probable cause to arrest Pfaendler for disorderly conduct because he refused to remove his helmet at the request of the Walmart manager. Pfaendler argues that he did not commit any crime and that his arrest was therefore unlawful.
The Status of the Case
The case is currently pending in federal court. In 2023, the court dismissed Pfaendler’s claims against the Town of Sahuarita and several of the police officers involved in his arrest. However, the court allowed Pfaendler’s claims against two of the police officers to proceed.
Conclusion
The outcome of Mr. Pfaendler’s lawsuit is still uncertain. However, the case raises important questions about the use of force by police officers and the limits of their authority.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between disorderly conduct and resisting arrest?
A: Disorderly conduct is a crime that involves engaging in conduct that is likely to disturb the peace or public order. Resisting arrest is a crime that involves using force or violence to resist being arrested by a police officer.
Q: Do police officers have to have probable cause to arrest someone?
A: Yes. Police officers must have probable cause to arrest someone. Probable cause means that the officer has a reasonable belief that the person has committed a crime.
Q: What should you do if you are arrested by a police officer?
A: If you are arrested by a police officer, you should remain calm and comply with the officer’s instructions. You should also assert your right to remain silent and to have an attorney present.
Q: What can I do if I believe that my arrest was unlawful?
A: If you believe that your arrest was unlawful, you can file a lawsuit against the police officers involved. You may also be able to file a complaint with the police department’s internal affairs unit.
Q: What is the likelihood that Mr. Pfaendler will win his lawsuit?
A: It is difficult to predict whether Mr. Pfaendler will win his lawsuit. The outcome of the case will depend on a number of factors, including the facts of the case and the law in Arizona.
Q: What are the implications of Mr. Pfaendler’s lawsuit for other people?
A: Mr. Pfaendler’s lawsuit raises important questions about the use of force by police officers and the limits of their authority. The outcome of the case could have implications for other people who have been arrested by police officers in similar circumstances.
References
- Green Valley News: 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
- Green Valley News: Judge dismisses complaint in 2019 Walmart arrest: https://www.gvnews.com/news/judge-dismisses-complaint-in-2019-walmart-arrest/article_d5d78a42-b225-11ed-9239-4b31aaa5d7c6.html
