Brian Hallum v. Sheriff of Delaware County and Ronald Williams

Tulsa, Oklahoma civil rights lawyer represented the Plaintiff.



After receiving some upsetting news, Brian Hallum drove to his business, a

marijuana dispensary in Delaware County, Oklahoma. There, he had four shots of

tequila and a marijuana gummy. He then began destroying items in the dispensary, 2

such as display cases, cannabis paraphernalia, and speakers. He also scattered money

across the floor. Afterwards, he went to the parking lot and fell asleep in his car.

Unbeknownst to Mr. Hallum, he had pulled a burglary alarm while in the

dispensary. Deputy Ronald Williams of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office

responded to the alarm. He arrived at the dispensary shortly after midnight, along

with two other officers. While the other officers stayed by Mr. Hallum's vehicle,

Deputy Williams searched the dispensary. When he came back outside, he saw

Mr. Hallum take a step toward an officer, get pushed back by the officer, and then

take two more steps—with arms extended at his sides—toward the officer.

Deputy Williams rushed to Mr. Hallum and used an armbar maneuver to force him to

the ground.



Mr. Hallum sued Deputy Williams under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, asserting an

excessive force claim. The district court granted summary judgment to

Deputy Williams based on qualified immunity. We affirm because Mr. Hallum has

not shown a constitutional violation.

I

Summary judgment in favor of Defendants affirmed on appeal.