Date: 06-05-2000

Case Style: Marvin Darnell Hopson v. City of Tulsa, et al.

Case Number: 95-cv-670

Judge: H. Dale Cook

Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma

Plaintiff's Attorney: Marvin Darnell Hopson, pro se

Defendant's Attorney: Michael Craig Romig, Assistant City Attorney, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Description: Civil Rights - 42 U.S.C. 1983 - Excessive Use of Force - Plaintiff was arrested by Tulsa Police Officers who suspected him of placing a baggie of cocaine in his mouth when they approached him to investigate a tip that he was selling illegal drugs. During the process of arresting Hopson, he was hit with a flashlight and his collarbone was broken. He was also sprayed with pepper spray and lost consciousness when his head hit the pavement. He claimed that the officers who arrested him used excessive force during the arrest.

Defendants denied wrongdoing.

All of plaintiff's medical expenses were paid for by the City of Tulsa. He was later convicted of possession of cocaine and was sentenced to two concurrent 10 year prison sentences for possession of cocaine.

Outcome: Judgment for plaintiff for $30,000.00.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: This is a rather unusual case in that the plaintiff represented himself and the case was tried to the court rather than to a jury. Police officers win most of the claims of use of excessive force made against them.