Woman sues over treatment by Portland officer

Woman sues over treatment by Portland officer

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Story Published: Dec 5, 2007 at 5:09 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 5, 2007 at 5:33 PM PDT

By Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A woman who was charged with interfering with police but was later cleared by a Multnomah County jury is suing, claiming false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.

Jennifer Karps, 37, says in her lawsuit that an officer rudely pushed a friend and abruptly pulled her aside as he tried to reach fans at a Portland Timbers game in PGE park who were lighted flares last September.

As the officer passed, Karps tugged on his sleeve and asked for his badge number. The lawsuit says the officer, Sean Sothern, grabbed her arm and "forcefully" twisted it before continuing through the crowd.

After the game, Karps says she was standing in the stadium's concourse when Sothern called out: "So, do you still want my badge number?" in "an unprofessional, condescending and mocking tone," and asked if she wanted an ambulance in the same tone.

When Karps said all she wanted was his badge number, Sothern handcuffed her and placed her in a patrol car for 30 minutes before driving her to jail, the suit says. Police accused her of interference and harassment and released her nearly six hours later at 3 a.m.

In January a jury took less than 30 minutes to acquit her of the two misdemeanor counts.

She's seeking $100,000 for the pain, humiliation and upset she suffered.

Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz said the bureau doesn't comment on pending litigation.

Karps' attorney, Jason Steen, said his client - whom he described as a gainfully employed, law-abiding citizen with no criminal history - wasn't doing anything wrong. She simply questioned the officer, and the officer lashed back, he said.

"I'll be asking the jury to send a message," Steen said.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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