Rock Hill Faces Lawsuit After Viral Arrest Incident Sparks Protests

Rock Hill Responds to Lawsuit Following Viral Arrest Video

Rock Hill, South Carolina, is at the center of renewed controversy as the city has responded to a lawsuit filed by Ricky Roderick Price, whose arrest in June 2021 sparked three days of protests. The lawsuit, filed last month in federal court in Columbia, claims Price’s civil rights were violated during a violent encounter with police following an allegedly unlawful traffic stop.

Background of the Incident

On June 23, 2021, Rock Hill police pulled over Price for suspected drug and weapon offenses. Following this traffic stop, a physical altercation erupted between Price and the officers involved. The situation quickly escalated, leading to multiple officers and Price engaging in a melee in a convenience store parking lot located on Willowbrook Avenue.

Video footage taken by a bystander went viral, showing the intensity of the confrontation. Key moments captured include an officer forcefully taking Price’s brother, Travis Price, to the ground, which reportedly incited public outrage. The incident unfolded just over a year after the high-profile murder of George Floyd, igniting community concerns about police conduct, particularly against Black individuals.

Claims and Counterclaims

In his lawsuit, Price alleges that the traffic stop was illegal and that he was a victim of police brutality. He contends that he attempted to comply with the officers’ instructions before the violence broke out. As a result, he seeks monetary damages for the physical injuries and emotional distress he claims to have suffered.

Responding to these allegations, attorneys representing the city argue that Price initiated the conflict by violently attacking the officers first. They assert that the police were justified in using force to protect themselves from potential harm. The city maintains that the traffic stop was conducted legally, and they have requested the court to dismiss Price’s lawsuit.

Further Legal Context

Rock Hill has previously settled a related case for $500,000 concerning a separate lawsuit filed by Travis Price, who was also arrested during the incident. The city’s defense highlights that Ricky Price remained under arrest due to his aggressive actions against law enforcement, thereby underscoring that officers acted within their rights to protect themselves from harm.

Continuing Protests and Community Reaction

The aftermath of the arrest led to significant protests in Rock Hill, with thousands of residents demanding accountability from law enforcement. Demonstrations in the weeks following the viral video saw police wearing riot gear as tensions escalated. Community members voiced their calls for a citizen review board to oversee police actions, which eventually led to the establishment of such a board, although records indicate it has not reviewed the Price incident.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Ricky Price’s federal lawsuit is one of two legal actions he has taken against the city, including a state court lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution under South Carolina law. The state court case remains pending, and the city has yet to respond formally to those claims. In the federal case, both parties have until April 2025 to share expert opinions and necessary documentation as part of court-ordered mediation.

No trial date has been set yet, leaving the outcome of these legal matters uncertain as the city and Price continue to navigate this complicated situation that has captured public attention and scrutiny.