On Feb. 26, the city of El Paso agreed to pay $55,000 to a couple who alleged police officers barged into their home without a valid warrant. In 2006, Paula and Rickey Bell were at home when a group of officers entered, seeking the couple’s son, Rickey Jr., on an arrest warrant for robbery. However, Rickey Jr. had surrendered to police four days earlier and was in custody. The Bells claimed the officers demanded to be let inside and then entered the backyard where they wrestled Rickey Sr. to the ground. The couple said they were unlawfully detained until the officers determined their son was already in custody. The Bells sued the city, alleging the incident violated their civil rights. The city argued the officers acted on a reasonable belief that Rickey Jr. was at large and in the home, and that any force used was justified under the circumstances. The settlement was reached in mediation.
Bell, et al. v. City of El Paso, No. 3:08-cv-00331-FM
