In a case which received daily television coverage, and major coverage in The Oregonian, as well as a column by Steve Duin, three African American men successfully sued the City of Portland, alleging false arrest and brutality on the part of Portland Police. Alex Clay, Harold Hammick, and Ri’Chard Booth were about to leave the fourth floor of a parking structure at SW 4th and Alder after celebrating St. Patrick’s Day when they were approached by Portland police officers. Hammick immediately explained that he was “a licensed carrier,” and that he had a handgun. The officers drew their guns, yanked the three men out of their car, handcuffed them, and detained them for nearly an hour. Hammick was physically abused by Officer Besner. The officers testified that the men had been belligerent and menacing toward them, but the entire event was surreptitiously witnessed by two white college students, who said that the young men were extremely polite, despite being obviously terrified. Unaware that the two students were observing their actions, the officers had directed all other witnesses to leave the scene, which did nothing to lessen the young men’s level of anxiety. The witnesses, Adam Ganer and Nikki Furlong, had compelling testimony, which provided crucial support for the three young men, and contradicted the sworn testimony of the officers. One policeman who was on the street at the time, Brett Hawkinson – now a detective – testified that he had seen Hammick down on the street a few minutes before these events and that he had been able to read Hammick’s lips from about 200 feet away, and said that Hammick announced that he had a “gat.” Jurors awarded $175,000 to the three men. Several jurors explained that they were deeply disturbed at the officers’ conduct, and more distressed by their testimony. After the verdict, a spokesperson for the Portland Police announced that the police department stood by its officers.

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