Title: Bronx Woman Secures $125K Settlement in Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit
Key Takeaways:
– Cheyenne Lee, from the Bronx, won a $125K settlement in a wrongful arrest lawsuit.
– She was arrested after interceding during her teen cousin’s arrest in December 2021.
– Her case aimed to bring about changes in police behavior towards mentally ill individuals, not win monetary compensation.
– The charges against Lee were dropped in May 2022 after body cam footage disputed the arresting officer’s allegations.
– She questioned if she could rely on the police for assistance in the future after her personal experience.
Source: NY Daily News
A Bronx resident, Cheyenne Lee, emerged victorious in her wrongful arrest lawsuit against the city, securing a $125,000 settlement. The 30-year-old insisted that her pursuit of the case was not for financial gain but aimed at transforming police conduct.
December Incident Sparked the Legal Battle
On December 3, 2021, Lee was arrested when nine officers from the 42nd Precinct showed up at her family’s apartment. The police were looking for her minor teen cousin, unidentified due to his age. Her cousin had been involved in an altercation with his father, Lee’s uncle, Pedro Perez, leading to a neighbor calling 911.
Despite assurances from Perez that he was fine and the absence of any weapons, police entered the apartment. Lee’s attorney, Anne Venhuizen, maintained that the police had no warrant and did not secure consent to search the premises.
Arrest of Lee and her Cousin
Upon entering the apartment, Lee did not conceal her cousin’s location, telling police he was in a bedroom. As officers moved in to apprehend him, he was uncooperative and resisted arrest. Concerned for his mental health, Lee requested the police not to use Tasers on her cousin, who is bi-polar. Ignoring her pleas, the police officers arrested Lee and her cousin.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement
Charges of obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest were brought against the teenager, eventually resulting in an adjournment contemplating dismissal. Lee, however, refused to accept a similar offer, asserting her innocence. By May 2022, her charges were dropped. Venhuizen stated this was due to body cam footage which contradicted officers’ claims of obstruction.
The case concluded last week with a settlement figure of $125,000. Venhuizen highlighted these types of incidents as examples of unchecked abuses of power.
Enduring Impact of the Case
Lee’s experience has left lingering doubts about her trust in law enforcement. Being a victim of wrongful arrest has made her question whether she would feel comfortable seeking assistance from the police in the future.
There was no comment from the NYPD or the Bronx District Attorney’s office regarding disciplinary actions for the officers involved in the case. Upon enquiring, the city’s Law Department referred all queries back to the NYPD.
Lee’s ordeal underscores the ongoing struggle for improved police conduct and the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. The wrongful arrest, the subsequent lawsuit, and the final settlement amplify the message that everyone deserves justice, irrespective of circumstances.