Profiling and Excessive Force
A lawsuit has been filed against the San Diego Police Department, accusing them of racial profiling, negligence, and brutality after an incident involving Nicholas Hoskins, a Black man and San Diego native. The incident, which was captured on video, shows a police officer smashing through the window of Hoskins’ car during a traffic stop. The lawsuit, filed by the law firm Mackenzie Scott, seeks accountability and justice for what Hoskins describes as an unlawful arrest and an excessive use of force.
Background of the Incident
Nicholas Hoskins, a father of two and a construction worker, has experienced multiple encounters with law enforcement, having been pulled over four times in less than a year. Hoskins’ past includes a conviction for conspiracy to commit murder, for which he spent nearly a decade in prison. Although the conviction was eventually overturned, it remains on his record, which Hoskins believes, along with his race, has made him a frequent target for law enforcement.
Hoskins, who describes himself as a “military brat” and a “law-abiding citizen,” was driving through a neighborhood when he was pulled over by San Diego police officers. According to Hoskins, he had just come from a park and was on his way to pick up his son from school. The officers claimed he had run a stop sign, an allegation Hoskins disputes.
The Traffic Stop
During the traffic stop, tensions quickly escalated. The video shows an officer threatening to break Hoskins’ car window if he did not comply with their commands. Despite Hoskins maintaining that he was calm and cooperative, the officer proceeded to smash the window, leading to what Hoskins and his legal team are calling an unlawful search and an excessive use of force. Hoskins expressed that he felt racially profiled and demeaned during the encounter, feeling as though the officers were abusing their power.
“I know like a situation like that not to move too fast because I probably would have got me killed,” Hoskins stated, reflecting on the fear he felt during the incident. Despite the traumatic experience, Hoskins managed to pick up his son from school later that day.
Legal Action and Allegations
The lawsuit filed by Hoskins’ legal team at Mackenzie Scott argues that the San Diego Police Department’s actions were unjustified and motivated by racial bias. The firm expressed outrage at the conduct of the officers, particularly questioning the basis on which they deemed Hoskins to be armed and dangerous. The lawsuit highlights broader concerns within the Black community, which is reportedly being stopped and searched by the San Diego Police Department at disproportionately higher rates.
The legal team emphasized that the goal of the lawsuit is to hold the police department accountable for their actions. They argue that Hoskins was targeted solely because of his race and his past record, despite his efforts to live a law-abiding life after his wrongful conviction was overturned.
Response from San Diego Police Department
The San Diego Police Department has responded to the lawsuit by stating that they do not comment on pending litigation. This response has done little to quell the concerns raised by Hoskins’ legal team and the broader community, who continue to seek justice and accountability for what they perceive as a pattern of racial profiling and excessive force by law enforcement.
Ongoing Developments
The case has drawn significant attention, with many following it closely as it progresses through the legal system. The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for how cases of alleged racial profiling and police misconduct are handled in San Diego and beyond. As the legal process unfolds, the spotlight remains on the actions of the San Diego Police Department and their treatment of Black individuals within the community.
Hoskins’ story is one that resonates with many who have experienced or witnessed similar encounters with law enforcement. The lawsuit represents not just a personal fight for justice for Hoskins but also a challenge to the systemic issues that continue to plague policing in the United States.
