Judge rules in favor of cops, city

  • Enterprise staff
  • Thursday, January 24, 2008 4:44pm

A U.S. District Court judge Jan. 17 ruled that Lynnwood police officers did not violate the constitutional rights of a man they took into custody after responding to reports of a fight outside Daverthump’s Pub in 2003.

Judge Benjamin Settle ruled that the six responding officers performed their duties properly and he rejected all claims by the plaintiffs.

The incident in question happened on Aug. 30, 2003, when officers responded to reports of a fight in progress at the pub, 19720 44th Ave. W. in Lynnwood. Police attempted to arrest Joshua Dowell, who resisted. He was released within 30 minutes after his arrest.

“Almost three years later, he brought this suit in federal court,” said Police Chief Steve Jensen in a prepared statement.

Dowell alleged violations of his rights under the constitution’s 14th amendment, specifically the clause regarding due process.

Robert Christie of the Christie Law Group represented the city in the case.

“Mr. Christie was extremely well prepared and not only presented a superb case, but was entirely effective in cross examination of the plaintiff’s witnesses,” Jensen said.

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