Opinion ID: 1863608
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Cross-Appeal on July 9, 1994, False Imprisonment

Text: The defendants assign on cross-appeal that the district court erred in not granting them a judgment notwithstanding the verdict on the July 9, 1994, false imprisonment. The defendants argue that even in the light most favorable to Holmes, the evidence shows that Rummel and Leggett had probable cause to detain Holmes following the altercation with O.J. and K.C. False imprisonment consists in the unlawful restraint against his or her will of an individual's personal liberty. Any intentional conduct that results in the placing of a person in a position where he or she cannot exercise his or her will in going where he or she may lawfully go may constitute false imprisonment. Dangberg v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 198 Neb. 234, 252 N.W.2d 168 (1977); Schmidt v. Richman Gordman, Inc., 191 Neb. 345, 215 N.W.2d 105 (1974). A security guard, however, may lawfully arrest and detain any person violating any law of this state or any legal ordinance of any city or incorporated village of this state. See Neb.Rev. Stat. § 29-401 (Reissue 1995). Taken in the light most favorable to Holmes, the evidence would show that Holmes was assaulted by O.J. and K.C. and acted only to reasonably defend himself. If events occurred as Holmes described them, then Holmes did not violate any law or legal ordinance, and his arrest was unlawful. Assuming Holmes' testimony to be true, as we must, it would be reasonable to infer from the evidence that Rummel and Leggett knew that Holmes had not committed any offense, and nonetheless took him into custody. Moreover, even assuming Holmes' initial detention was lawful, the evidence taken in the light most favorable to Holmes would support the inference that the detention was continued for an unreasonable time, thus giving rise to a cause of action for false imprisonment even if the initial detention was justified. See Latek v. K Mart Corp., 224 Neb. 807, 401 N.W.2d 503 (1987). The defendants also argue that Holmes was not detained by Rummel and Leggett, but by Sundermeier and Noble, who are not parties to this action. However, the evidence is undisputed that Holmes was first taken into custody and handcuffed by Rummel and Leggett. Further, the evidence establishes that even while other Mall employees may have been involved in the detention, the detention was initiated and maintained based upon the request and statements of Rummel and Leggett, who were the only Mall employees to observe the majority of the incident. One who by affirmative direction, persuasion, or request procures an unlawful arrest and detention of another may be liable for false imprisonment. See Huskinson v. Vanderheiden, 197 Neb. 739, 251 N.W.2d 144 (1977). Taken in the light most favorable to Holmes, the evidence would support a finding of false imprisonment on July 9, 1994. The district court did not err in refusing to enter a judgment notwithstanding the jury's verdict. The defendants' assignment of error on cross-appeal is without merit.