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A federal judge granted summary judgment against a Connecticut police officer on First Amendment claims, overcoming the barrier of qualified immunity. In 2018, Michael Friend, the plaintiff, observed police officers issuing tickets to drivers allegedly using their cellphones. According to court records, one of the officers, defendant Richard Gasparino, was standing behind a pole ahead of the other officers to radio the team when a driver was using a cellphone. Friend decided to create a sign that said "Cops Ahead" to warn drivers because he thought the officers' methods were "underhanded," the complaint said. Gasparino confiscated the sign from the plaintiff, and told Friend he would be arrested if he returned with another sign, the complaint said. The plaintiff created another "Cops Ahead" sign, and the defendant arrested him for "interfering with a police officer," Gasparino said in his deposition.

Connecticut

August 06, 2024, 11:20 AM