Ex-Councilman Files Suit Alleging False Arrest
Former City Councilman Isaac Richard has filed a $1-million lawsuit against the city of Pasadena, alleging that police deprived him of civil rights when they arrested him a year ago during a tenant dispute.
In the suit filed late last month, Richard alleges that officers wrongfully arrested and handcuffed him after a woman at his former home accused him of hitting her in the face during a dispute Aug. 6, 1997.
Richard denied striking the woman, and city prosecutor Tracy Webb concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegations of misdemeanor battery.
Richard, who now lives in the Oakland area, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Assistant City Atty. Lawrence Newberry said the matter will be discussed by the City Council in closed session next week
Richard’s council tenure from 1991 to 1995 was controversial.
He was arrested on suspicion of threatening a group of youths with a handgun and on suspicion of disrupting a council meeting, although he was not charged in either case.
He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in another case involving a confrontation with a bus driver in Los Angeles.
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