Who says a misdemeanor is no big deal? The Tuxedo Police Department, which goes weeks between felony arrests, is being sued for a misdemeanor collar Officer Anthony Delia made last December.
Delancey resident Eric Merring is suing the department in federal court, alleging violations of his civil rights when he was arrested on a weapons possession charge after he was stopped for speeding.
According to the suit, Delia and Sgt. Patrick Welsh arrested Merring for possessing a handgun even though he had a license to do so.
Welsh repeatedly told Merring he hated guns, didn't think Merring should have a gun because he was with the National Rifle Association and said it was OK for him to carry a gun because he's a good shot, according to the suit.
The weapons charge was eventually dismissed and Merring pleaded to a charge of parking illegally.
But, the suit contends, Merring was "humiliated and embarrassed in front of his father and publicly," arrested without probable cause, had his vehicle illegally searched and property illegally seized.
For his humiliation, Merring would like $1 million.
