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Constable sues Reserve Township police officer
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A constable from Reserve today sued a police officer from that township, claiming that an arrest a year ago was retaliation for complaints.
Constable William Crowell, 44, claimed in the lawsuit in U.S. District Court that he had complained to Reserve's chief of police about unspecified conduct by Officer Brian Dourlain.
The officer then charged the constable with fleeing or eluding an officer, reckless driving and other traffic violations. The charges were dismissed.
According to the lawsuit filed by attorney Timothy O'Brien, the charges were retaliation and violated Mr. Crowell's free speech rights.
They also made it hard for Mr. Crowell to find work as a constable for area district judges, and caused him emotional distress, it said. Mr. Crowell wants compensation.
"It's news to me as far as any complaints that were voiced," said Officer Dourlain. "That's the first I've heard of that."
He said he was "just an officer out doing his job, and sometimes you end up in court."
First Published October 26, 2012 5:42 pm
