by Christopher Zoukis

One night in October 2011, Sabah Ali noticed that a co-worker had been pulled over for a broken headlight at a local 7-Eleven. Ali pulled into the parking lot to assist his friend, and things quickly went sideways.

As the co-worker was showing Ali the warning citation he had been given, Prince George's County supercop Hong Park pulled in because he thought he was witnessing a drug deal. Park approached Ali, who told him that there was no drug deal. Apparently unsatisfied, Park arrested Ali for disorderly conduct. Ali spent 13 hours in jail, but the charges were ultimately dismissed.

Ali sued Prince George's County and Park for civil rights violations. He alleged that Park became abusive toward him as he tried to explain that there was no nefarious activity afoot. Ali further alleged that he feared for his safety, and even dialed 911 for help after Park threatened him with bodily injury. Park denied any wrongdoing, and claimed that Ali was the aggressor.

Surveillance video obtained from the 7-Eleven supported Ali's version of events. After a two day trial, the jury found for Ali and awarded him damages in the amount of $160,000 for significant emotional distress and anxiety, economic losses and counseling services.

Ali was represented by Terrell N. Roberts of the Riverdale, Maryland law firm Roberts & Wood.

Case: Ali v. Prince George's County, et al., Prince George's County Civil Court, Case No. CAL 12-03775 (April 10, 2013).

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