L.A. Liable for Suit in Drunk Driving Arrest
U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist ruled on Monday against the City of Los Angeles, which contended that it could not be sued for violating the civil rights of a person arrested on a drunk driving charge once he has lost an individual suit against the police officer who allegedly injured him.
Ronald Heller fell through a plate glass window during a struggle when he was arrested by Officers Craig Bushey and Calvin Brasher in June, 1980. He sued Bushey for violating his constitutional rights but lost in a jury trial.
Rehnquist upheld a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that the city should stand trial.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
