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DPS faces civil suit for wrongful arrest and imprisonment
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Posted on Dec 01 2000
A Saipan resident has filed a $400,000 civil suit against Public Safety Commissioner Charles Ingram, Jr. the CNMI government, Police Officer Felix Mendiola and 10 other unidentified policemen for alleged wrongful arrest and imprisonment.
In a complaint filed before the Superior Court, Tomas Sablan Demapan alleged that he was arrested on Dec. 1, 1998 by Officer Mendiola at the Northwest Airline Reservation Office at the Saipan International Airport where he works.
Mr. Demapan claimed that he was handcuffed in front of many people despite the fact that Officer Mendiola was informed that he was not the person wanted by the police. He was then transported to DPS Central Station in Susupe and detained.
While being processed, the DPS Officers present said Mr. Demapan was the wrong person arrested thus, he was immediately released.
Even before the arrest, Mr. Demapan has already met with Police Officer John Maratita during which he was informed that he was not the person they were checking regarding an arrest warrant.
As a result of his unlawful arrest and imprisonment, Mr. Demapan said he suffered humiliation and mental distress. (LFR)
