Controversial Arrest Leads to Lawsuits in Rock Hill
In the city of Rock Hill, tensions are running high as a local man, Ricky Roderick Price, has filed two lawsuits against the city and its police department following a controversial arrest in June 2021. This incident sparked three days of protests, drawing attention not only locally but also nationwide, especially regarding police interactions with the African-American community.
The Background
On June 23, 2021, Ricky and his brother Travis Price were arrested during a traffic stop that escalated far beyond what anyone anticipated. The police charged Ricky with drug and weapon offenses, which eventually led to him spending four months in jail. However, it’s important to note that he never faced conviction for any crime, and the charges against him were dismissed by prosecutors at the end of 2023.
Legal Developments
Price is not alone in taking legal action; his brother, Travis Price, had already filed a separate lawsuit that ended with a significant settlement of $500,000 from the city in late 2023. This lawsuit came after the charges against Travis were dropped two weeks post-arrest. Now, Ricky Price is following suit, filing a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court, alleging that his federal civil rights were violated through malicious prosecution.
Alongside this, he has also filed a state lawsuit in York County against the police department, echoing similar claims of malicious prosecution under state law. Both lawsuits spotlight the troubling nature of the arrest that has left Price and his family seeking justice.
Incident Details
According to court records, the incident began with a seemingly routine traffic stop but quickly spiraled out of control. Video footage from the scene captured police officers attempting to subdue Ricky, leading to a violent confrontation. In fact, both brothers were caught up in the chaos when Travis went to a convenience store to retrieve personal belongings from his brother. Instead of a simple exchange, it turned into a scene where police were seen fighting with Ricky Price.
Ricky sustained serious injuries during this altercation, which included a broken nose and various other physical and emotional traumas. Disturbingly, the lawsuits report that a police K-9 was released during the incident and attacked Ricky. “Police acted beyond the pale that day,” shared Monier Abusaft, Ricky’s lawyer, describing the incident as unconstitutional and claiming that Ricky was merely trying to comply with police orders.
Community Response
The arrest occurred in a context already charged with discussions about police reform and accountability, especially following the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020. Just a year prior to the Prices’ arrest, cities across the nation—including Rock Hill—saw waves of protests demanding changes in policing practices, particularly regarding how Black Americans are treated. In the wake of this incident, the streets of Rock Hill were filled with protesters for three consecutive days, all calling for police accountability and a reconsideration of law enforcement tactics.
Next Steps
As the lawsuits unfold, with the city and police department now facing serious allegations, the defendants have several weeks to respond in court. Currently, no trial dates have been set in either federal or state court, leaving both the Prices and the wider Rock Hill community waiting for answers.
The Price brothers’ legal actions seek not only compensation for their pain and suffering but also to shine a light on broader issues of justice and fairness within the community. As this situation develops, many will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures accountability and justice for all.
