Press Releases

07/23/01
”Racial Profiling” Lawsuit Dismissed

This morning Federal District Judge Manuel L. Real granted a motion by attorneys representing the City of Redondo Beach for summary judgement thereby dismissing a “racial profiling” lawsuit brought by Firpo W. Carr.  Mr. Carr filed the lawsuit December 1, 2000, alleging that the Redondo Beach Police Department “engages in racially discriminatory acts”. In June, 2001, Mr. Carr agreed to dismiss a portion of his complaint that named the City of Redondo Beach and Chief Mel Nichols as defendants. The motion ruled on today by Judge Real dismissed the only remaining defendant, Officer Walter Sawall.

Mr. Carr had been stopped by Officer Sawall in June, 2000, as he investigated a fraud complaint at CompUSA, 1611 Hawthorne Blvd.  Mr. Carr claimed that he was stopped as a result of his race. Mr. Carr publicly stated in press conference, community meetings and talk radio that the motivation for the stop was “DWB” (driving while black), not any reasonable suspicion based on the criminal activity being investigated at the CompUSA store adjacent to the parking lot where Mr. Carr was stopped.

In today’s court action Mr. Carr’s allegations could not be sustained under legal scrutiny.  The Redondo Beach Police Department has contended throughout this matter that Officer Sawall acted in an appropriate manner in conducting a brief field investigation.

This press release was prepared by Capt. Jeff Cameron. For further information contact City Attorney Jerry Goddard at 310-318-0655