A civil trial jury has determined a Lake Township police office was not negligent in inflicting emotional distress against another.
The jury on June 14 also determine Brady Donnell must pay police officer Jason Algarin $250,000 in punitive damages.
Donnell, of Woodville, on Dec. 16, 2022, filed a seven-count complaint against Algarin for false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, battery, assault, negligent infliction of emotional distress and respondeat superior, which is the legal doctrine according to which an employer is responsible for the actions of its employees performed during the course of their employment.
A four-day civil trial was held last week.
Donnell’s suit stated he was present at the VFW post on Main Street on Dec. 16, 2021, after being in contact with a friend who was expressing suicidal thoughts. Donnell wanted to bring that friend to the post to talk to other members and address his mental health concerns.
Donnell, a veteran, was a member in good standing of the VFW post. He had previously reached out to members by text to ask about the VFW crisis intervention team. Algarin, according to text messages included in the court documents, led that team.
According to Donnell’s complaint, while at the post, Algarin, who was not on duty at the time, allegedly began an altercation with Donnell before throwing him to the ground.
When Walbridge police officers arrived, Algarin allegedly told them that Donnell had assaulted him and was a danger to himself and the community.
Donnell was involuntarily committed to St. Charles Hospital, Oregon, where he remained for approximately four days and was administered medications against his will.
He asked for compensatory damages of $25,000 and punitive damages of $25,000.
On Feb. 24, 2023, Algarin filed his answer to the complaint, including a three-count claim against Donnel for defamation, assault/battery/injury to property, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to court documents, the jury awarded Algarin $10,000 for intentional infliction of emotional distress and $250,000 in punitive damages.
Donnell also must pay attorney fees.
The jury sided in favor on Donnell on his claims of assault and damage to property.
Complaints filed by Donnell against the Walbridge Police Department, the Village of Walbridge, police Chief Kenneth Campbell, Sgt. Jonathan Schmidlin and John Eggelston were dismissed with prejudice after Donnell failed to present any evidence the police department acted with malicious purpose or in a reckless manner.
