ESTATE OF SAULO DEL ROSARIO v. PATERSON POLICE DEPARTMENT

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

ESTATE OF SAULO DEL ROSARIO, et al.

Plaintiffs,

14-cv-5167

v.

PATERSON POLICE DEPARTMENT., et al., OPINION

Defendants.

WILLIAM J. MARTINI, U.S.D.J.:

This matter arises out of the officer-involved death of Saulo Del Rosario in

September 2012. The matter comes before the Court on three motions for summary

judgment filed by (1) Defendants City of Paterson and the Paterson Police Department

(“Paterson” or “Municipal Defendants”), ECF No. 127 (“Paterson Motion”); (2) Paterson

Police Officer Marj Kush, ECF No. 128 (“Kush Motion”); and (3) Sergeant Troy Bailey

(with Paterson and Kush, “Defendants”), ECF No. 130 (“Bailey Motion”). For the reasons

set forth below, the motions are GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART.

I. BACKGROUND

The tragic events leading to Saulo Del Rosario’s death are relatively undisputed by

the parties. Saulo had a history of seizures and mental disturbances, including

hallucinations. Statement of Material Facts ¶¶ 7-14, 16-17, ECF No. 127-1 (hereinafter,

“SoF”).1 On the evening of August 31, 2012, Saulo locked himself in his bedroom without

taking his seizure medication. Id. ¶¶ 19-21. Concerned, on the morning of September 1,

two of Saulo’s children, Plaintiffs Steven and Honey Del Rosario, asked an English-

speaking friend, Kelvin Lopez, to call 911. Id. ¶ 30. Lopez called 911 and asked for help

removing Saulo, describing him as epileptic and having “mental problems.” Id. ¶ 31.

At approximately 9:15 AM, Defendant Officers Anthony Petrazzuolo and Angel

Sandoval were dispatched to Saulo’s house “on a call of a barricaded Emotionally

Disturbed Person” (“EDP”). Id. ¶ 32. Upon arrival, Steven and Honey described Saulo’s

medical condition to the responding officers. Id. ¶ 33. Further, Lopez told them Saulo’s

family wanted help opening the door so they could take him to a doctor. Id. ¶ 34. Officer

Sandoval heard glass breaking from inside the bedroom. Id. ¶ 35. Saulo’s sister, Marta

Del Rosario, said she was not aware whether Saulo had any weapons. Id. ¶ 37. The

responding officers attempted to speak with Saulo in English and Spanish but received no

1 Citations to the SoF refer to agreed-to facts unless otherwise noted.

response. Id. ¶¶ 38-39. Next, Officer Sandoval heard running, a loud bang, and a “thud”

coming from the bedroom. Id. ¶ 40.

Officer Petrazzuolo contacted Sergeant Troy Bailey, notifying him that an EDP was

not responding to attempts to communicate. Id. ¶ 41. Sergeant Bailey requested backup

from the Police Department’s Emergency Response Team (“ERT”). Id. ¶ 43. ERT-

Member Defendants Marj Kush and Robert Challice responded. Defendant Officer

Giuseppe Ciarla also arrived and, with Officer Sandoval, tried to view Saulo through an

alleyway window.2 Id. ¶¶ 44-46. They were initially unsuccessful, and Officer Sandoval

returned to the residence while Officer Ciarla remained outside. Id.

Sergeant Bailey made the decision to breach the bedroom, though the parties

disagree on why. Id. ¶¶ 50-51, Opp. to SoF ¶ 50-51, ECF No. 135-1. Officer Challice

kicked in the door and Officer Kush entered first, holding his service weapon on top of a

“Baker Batshield”—an anti-ballistic shield. SoF ¶¶ 57-58. After the breach, Saulo

discarded a large mirror he was hiding behind and jumped on top of a bed. Id. ¶ 59.

Defendants claim Saulo “was screaming and holding a claw hammer in his right hand

which he began swinging aggressively.” Id. ¶ 60. Plaintiffs disagree, arguing the hammer

was at Saulo’s side or that he dropped it. Opp. to SoF ¶¶ 60, 63. The parties agree,

however, that Officer Ciarla told the breaching team that Saulo had a hammer and that the

breaching officers told Saulo to drop it several times, albeit in English. SoF ¶¶ 61-62.

Shortly after they entered the bedroom, Saulo charged the officers. Id. ¶ 63; Opp.

to SoF ¶ 63 (failing to adequately dispute charging portion of allegation, only position of

hammer). “Officer Kush, believing his life was in danger, fired two shots, striking [Saulo]

once in the head when [he] was approximately three feet from [Kush].” SoF ¶ 64. EMTs

on the scene responded but were unable to save Saulo’s life. SoF ¶ 65.

II. PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On November 27, 2012, Carmen Gonzalez, Yunior Reyes Gonzales, Honey Del

Rosario, Leidy Del Rosario, Steven (aka Styven) Javier Del Rosario, Elvio Del Rosario,

Yaniris Del Rosario, Diosmendy Del Rosario, Martha (aka Marta) Del Rosario,

Carmenlina Del Rosario, Emely Del Rosario, Miguel Del Rosario, and Misael Del Rosario

(without Carmenlina, “Individual Plaintiffs” and with Saulo’s Estate, “Plaintiffs”) filed

thirteen separate Tort Claims Act (“TCA”) notices, listing themselves as the “Claimant.”

SoF ¶¶ 114-15; Murphy Ex. 41, ECF No. 127-29. On August 19, 2014, Plaintiffs filed a

twelve-count complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and various state laws. ECF No. 1. On

April 16, 2014, the Court dismissed Section 1983 claims against the Municipal Defendants

(Count One) without prejudice and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims

against the Municipal Defendants (Count Eight) with prejudice. ECF Nos. 30-31. The

Court further ordered Plaintiffs to submit a more complete statement of their conspiracy

count (Count Three). Id. On June 16, 2015, Plaintiffs filed their Amended Complaint

2 Though named as Defendants, Officers Petrazzoulo, Sandoval, Challice, and Ciarla (together

with Kush and Bailey, “Individual Defendants”) did not move for Summary Judgment.

alleging the same twelve counts.3 On November 3, 2016, the Court dismissed, with

prejudice, (1) the survivorship and derivative claims of all individual plaintiffs except

Javier Del Rosario, Leidy Del Rosario, and Honey Del Rosario4 and (2) Gonzalez and

Yunior Reyes’s individual claims. ECF Nos. 77-78. The following claims remain:

• Counts 1, 2, 5: Section 1983 claims by the Estate, Javier, Leidy, and Honey.

• Count 4: Negligence.

• Count 6: Wrongful death by the Estate.

• Count 7: Survivorship by the Estate.

• Count 8: Intentional infliction of emotional distress against the Individual

Defendants.

• Count 9: Negligent infliction of emotional distress.

• Counts 10, 11, 12: Tortious conduct of employee (10), negligent hiring and

training (11), and negligent supervision (12) against the Municipal Defendants.

III. STANDARD OF REVIEW

Summary judgment is appropriate if “there is no genuine issue as to any material

fact and . . . the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” FRCP 56. A fact

is material if its determination might affect the outcome of the suit under the applicable

substantive law. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248–49 (1986). A dispute

is genuine if “a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party.” Id. To

make this determination, the Court views the facts in the light most favorable to the

nonmovant and all reasonable inferences must be drawn in the nonmovant’s favor. Scott

v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 378 (2007).

The moving party bears the burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine

dispute of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323 (1986). The movant

can meet this burden by pointing to an absence of evidence supporting an essential element

as to which the non-moving party will bear the burden of proof at trial. Id. at 325. If the

moving party carries its initial burden, “the nonmoving party must come forward with

specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” United States v. Donovan,

661 F.3d 174, 185 (3d Cir. 2011) (citation omitted). “The non-moving party cannot rest

on mere pleadings or allegations; rather it must point to actual evidence in the record on

3 Plaintiffs failed to submit a more complete statement of the conspiracy claim (Count Three), and

thus the claim is DISMISSED. Compare Amend. Compl. ¶¶ 73-76, ECF No. 35 (conspiracy

count allegations), with Compl. ¶¶ 47-50 (identical allegations). Defendants did not re-move to

dismiss the updated Section 1983 claims against the Municipal Defendants.

4 Thus, except for Plaintiffs Javier, Leidy, and Honey, and the Estate itself, Counts One, Two, and

Five (Section 1983), Six (wrongful death), and Seven (survivorship) have been dismissed.

Defendants now move for summary judgment on Javier, Leidy, and Honey’s wrongful death and

survivorship claims. Paterson Mot. at 27-29. Plaintiffs fail to oppose that portion of the motion.

Accordingly, and for the reasons in Paterson’s brief, summary judgment is GRANTED on Javier,

Leidy, and Honey’s survivorship and wrongful death claims (Counts Six and Seven).

which a jury could decide an issue of fact its way.” El v. SEPTA, 479 F.3d 232, 238 (3d

Cir. 2007) (citation omitted). “A party moving for summary judgment on an issue for

which it bears the ultimate burden of proof faces a more difficult road . . . . In such a case,

if there is a chance that a reasonable factfinder would not accept a moving party’s necessary

propositions of fact, summary judgment is inappropriate.” Donovan, 661 F.3d at 185.

IV. DISCUSSION

A. Section 1983 Claims (Counts One, Two, Five)

Defendants argue they are entitled to summary judgment on the Section 1983 claims

because, inter alia, (1) Officer Kush and Sergeant Bailey are entitled to qualified immunity

and (2) the Municipal Defendants cannot be liable without an underlying civil rights

violation. Courts apply a two-part test in determining issues of qualified immunity:

(1) “whether the facts that a plaintiff has . . . shown make out a violation of a constitutional

right” and (2) “whether the right at issue was ‘clearly established’ at the time of defendant’s

alleged misconduct.” Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 232, 236 (2009) (citations

omitted). While questions of qualified immunity are appropriately answered as a matter of

law, issues of fact may preclude ruling at the summary judgment stage. Giles v. Kearney,

571 F.3d 318, 326 (3d Cir. 2009).

Defendants focus on the first part of the qualified immunity test, arguing: (1) they

entered the residence by consent and entered the bedroom as part of a continuous search;

(2) exigent circumstances justified Sergeant Bailey’s decision to enter the bedroom; and

(3) Officer Kush’s use of force was justified by the circumstances.

1. Entry into Residence and Continuous Search

Defendants entered the residence by consent. SoF ¶ 34. Therefore, the initial entry

was permissible. Relying on City & County of San Francisco v. Sheehan, 135 S.Ct. 1765

(2015), Sergeant Bailey argues entry into the bedroom was part of the same consented-to

“continuous search.” Bailey Br. at 8. However, Sheehan involved two “exigent

circumstances” entries that were part of one continuous search. Sheehan, 135 S.Ct. at

*1775. The problem here is that further consent (or some other justification) was required

to enter the bedroom due to Saulo’s obvious resistance to the officers’ entry. See Georgia

v. Randolph, 547 U.S. 103, 120 (2006) (holding that search of shared dwelling over express

refusal by present resident cannot be justified by another resident’s consent). Accordingly,

entry into the bedroom must be otherwise justified.

2. Exigent Circumstances for Decision to Enter Bedroom

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. “An

action is ‘reasonable’ under the Fourth Amendment, regardless of the individual officer’s

state of mind, as long as the circumstances, viewed objectively, justify the action.”

Brigham City, Utah v. Stuart, 547 U.S. 398, 404 (2006) (cleaned up). “The officer’s

subjective motivation is irrelevant.” Id. However, courts only consider the facts and

circumstances known to the acting officer at the time. Reedy v. Evanson, 615 F.3d 197,

211 (3d Cir. 2010) (citation omitted).

Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, a warrantless search is presumptively

unreasonable. Stuart, 547 U.S. at 403. To be lawful, warrantless searches must “fall[]

within one of the narrow and well-delineated exceptions.” Flippo v. W. Virginia, 528 U.S.

11, 13 (1999). The “exigency” or “emergency aid” exceptions apply when the police

“reasonably believe that a person within is in need of immediate aid.” Mincey v. Arizona,

437 U.S. 385, 392 (1978) (“The need to protect or preserve life or avoid serious injury is

justification for what would be otherwise illegal absent an exigency or emergency.”). “The

Government bears the burden of demonstrating that exigent circumstances justified a

warrantless search, and that burden is ‘heavy.’” United States v. Mallory, 765 F.3d 373,

383 (3d Cir. 2014).

In the context of civil commitment, the fundamental “reasonableness” inquiry is the

same. Catlett v. New Jersey State Police, No. 12-cv-153, 2015 WL 9272877, at *4 (D.N.J.

Dec. 18, 2015). “When there is probable cause to believe that a person is a danger to

himself or others,” an officer need-not obtain a warrant before attempting to “detain a

person for a psychiatric evaluation.” Id. (citing Must v. West Hills Police Dep’t, 126 Fed.

App’x 539, 542-43 (3d Cir. 2005)). “[A] showing of probable cause in the mental health

seizure context requires only a probability or substantial chance of dangerous behavior, not

an actual showing of such behavior.” Id. (quoting Monday v. Oullette, 118 F.3d 1099,

1102 (6th Cir. 1997)); see also Meyer v. Bd. of Cty. Comm'rs of Harper Cty., Okla., 482

F.3d 1232, 1240 (10th Cir. 2007) (requiring articulatable, specific facts leading an officer

to believe the person is a threat to herself or others).

Here, the undisputed facts establish Sergeant Bailey decision to enter the bedroom

was objectively reasonable due to exigent circumstances. The parties agree that when

Officer Petrazzuolo contacted Sergeant Bailey, he told Bailey that Saulo was an EDP and

not responding. SoF ¶ 41. Further, Bailey’s uncontroverted testimony establishes that

when he entered the house, he witnessed the other officers’ failed attempts to communicate

with Saulo. Bailey Dep. at 97:9-12, ECF No. 127-13. Next, Bailey learned that after

Officer Sandoval had arrived at the scene, Saulo had broken some glass and shrieked or

yelled inside the room. Id. at 97:14-98:9. Using Sandoval to translate, Saulo’s family told

Bailey that he had a history of epilepsy, had not taken his medication, was mentally ill, and

that they had been unable to communicate with him since 3:00 AM. Id. at 98:15-99:9.

Bailey did not recall any mention of violent or suicidal tendencies. Id. at 99:10-15. Next,

Bailey asked Officer Ciarla—positioned in the alleyway—whether he could see Saulo. Id.

at 99:17-100:21. Ciarla could not, but did tell Bailey that he saw a mirror “fluttering,”

“fluctuating,” or “rocking back and forth,” on the bed. Id.

These facts—known by Sergeant Bailey before he ordered the breach—created

probable cause to believe Saulo was either in imminent danger or a danger to himself. See

Catlett, 2015 WL 9272877, at *4. Plaintiffs do not adequately dispute what Bailey was

aware of at the time. Instead (and in addition to an inapposite subjective argument),

Plaintiffs argue that because Saulo was hiding behind the mirror, he was clearly not having

a seizure or otherwise in distress. Opp. at 6. But the fact that Saulo was hiding behind a

mirror, which Plaintiffs agree was shaking, see Opp. SoF, Responsive Facts ¶ 7, does not

undermine the reasonable conclusion that he was in danger. The facts remain that Sergeant

Bailey was faced with an emotionally disturbed, epileptic man who locked himself in a

bedroom without taking his medicine. He had broken some glass and shouted but refused

to communicate with the police or his family. His actual condition was unknown, as Saulo

was hidden behind a shaking mirror. Those facts objectively justify a reasonable belief

that Saulo either needed aid (based on his failure to respond, breaking of glass, refusal to

take medicine, history of seizures, and the shaking mirror) or was a danger to himself (by

refusing to take his seizure medication and breaking glass in a disturbed state). The facts

that (1) Saulo was not actually suffering from a seizure at the time and (2) had briefly left

the bedroom earlier that morning do not mandate otherwise. Opp. at 6, 10. The relevant

facts are what Sergeant Bailey knew. Faced with that set of facts, a reasonable officer

would conclude Saulo likely needed immediate aid or was a danger to himself. See Meyer,

482 F.3d at 1240; Monday, 118 F.3d at 1102. Plaintiffs position that Sergeant Bailey

should have waited for a crisis negotiator, “poll cam,” or robot is also inapposite. Opp. at

2. Saulo was not responding and a reasonable officer would believe he needed immediate

help or was a present danger to himself. Accordingly, quick action was reasonable and

summary judgment is GRANTED for Sergeant Bailey on Plaintiffs’ 1983 claims.

3. Excessive and Unnecessary Force

Plaintiffs also assert liability based on Officer Kush’s use of deadly force. Use of

deadly force is a “seizure” under the Fourth Amendment and subject to the same objective

“reasonableness” requirement discussed above. In making reasonableness determinations,

courts “balance the nature and quality of the intrusion on the individual’s Fourth

Amendment interests against the importance of the governmental interests alleged to justify

the intrusion.” Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 383 (2007) (citation omitted). “It is

unreasonable for an officer to use deadly force against a suspect unless the officer has good

reason ‘to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical

injury to the officer or others.’” Lamont v. New Jersey, 637 F.3d 177, 183 (3d Cir. 2011)

(quoting Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1, 3 (1985)).

Here, too many genuine issues of material fact remain for the Court to determine

whether Officer Kush’s use of force was reasonable as a matter of law (e.g., the presence

or position of a hammer in Saulo’s hand, the dimensions and layout of the bedroom and

hallway, the time and ability to take alternative action, etc.). Because the Court cannot rule

on the reasonableness of the force applied, it cannot hold that Officer Kush is entitled to

qualified immunity at this stage. See Giles, 571 F.3d at 326 (finding issues of fact may

preclude ruling on qualified immunity question at summary judgment). Accordingly,

summary judgment is DENIED as to the Section 1983 claims against Officer Kush.

4. Municipal Liability for Entry and Failure to Train

Plaintiffs assert liability against the Municipal Defendants as well. “It is well-settled

that, if there is no [constitutional or federal rights] violation in the first place, there can be

no derivative municipal claim.” Mulholland v. Gov’t Cty. of Berks, Pa., 706 F.3d 227, 238

n.15 (3d Cir. 2013) (citing Los Angeles v. Heller, 475 U.S. 796, 799 (1986)). Here, exigent

circumstances justified the warrantless entry. Supra Part IV.A.2. Accordingly, there can

be no derivative claim against the Municipal Defendants for the entry.

As to the use of force, municipalities may be held liable under Section 1983 “when

the alleged constitutional transgression implements or executes a policy, regulation or

decision officially adopted by the governing body or informally adopted by custom.” Beck

v. City of Pittsburgh, 89 F.3d 966 (3d Cir. 1996) (citing Monell v. New York City Dep’t of

Soc. Serv., 436 U.S. 658 (1978)). A “decision not to train certain employees about their

legal duty to avoid violating citizens’ rights may rise to the level of an official government

policy for purposes of § 1983.” Connick v. Thompson, 563 U.S. 51, 61 (2011). The failure

to train “must amount to deliberate indifference to the rights of persons with whom the

untrained employees come into contact. Only then can such a shortcoming be properly

thought of as a city ‘policy or custom’ that is actionable under § 1983.” Id. (cleaned up).

“A pattern of similar constitutional violations by untrained employees is ordinarily

necessary to demonstrate deliberate indifference for purposes of failure to train.” Without

notice through a pattern of violations, municipal “decisionmakers can hardly be said to

have deliberately chosen a training program that will cause violations of constitutional

rights.” Id. “In addition to proving that an unlawful policy or custom existed, a plaintiff

also bears the burden of proving that such a policy or custom was the proximate cause of

the injuries suffered.” Watson v. Abington Twp., 478 F.3d 144, 156 (3d Cir. 2007).

Plaintiffs Monell claims are based on the alleged (1) inadequacy of Paterson’s

Internal Affairs (“IA”) investigation of complaints against officers and (2) failure to

adequately train on how to handle emotional disturbed persons and barricaded suspects.”

Opp at 14. As to the latter theory, Plaintiffs fail to point to any evidence of a pattern of

similar constitutional violations against EDPs or barricaded subjects. See Opp. 13-18.

Although it is possible to maintain a claim of failure to train without demonstrating such a

“pattern . . . the burden on the plaintiff in such a case is high. . . . [I]n a narrow range of

circumstances, a violation of federal rights may be a highly predictable consequence of a

failure to equip law enforcement officers with specific tools to handle recurring situations.”

Berg v. Cty. of Allegheny, 219 F.3d 261, 276 (3d Cir. 2000) (citations omitted). “The

likelihood that the situation will recur and the predictability that an officer lacking specific

tools to handle that situation will violate citizens’ rights could justify a finding that

policymakers’ decision not to train the officer reflected deliberate indifference.” Id.

Here, Plaintiff failed to meet its burden of evidencing the alleged violations of

federal rights were “highly predictable consequences of . . . recurring situations.” Id.

(emphasis added); Opp. at 13-18 (failing to mention recurring situations or address

likelihood of rights violations). Therefore, summary judgment is GRANTED on the

failure-to-train Monell claim.

5. Municipal Liability Based on Internal Affairs Investigations

As to the IA investigations, Plaintiffs submit an expert report from Dr. Wayne Fisher

concluding: (1) the investigation into the present incident was insufficient, (2) only four

of fifty other IA investigations reviewed by Dr. Fisher were sustained, and (3) Paterson’s

IA’s investigatory process in other excessive force cases was deficient. Opp. at 15-16. Dr.

Fisher concludes the failure to “provide for . . . accountability . . . created an atmosphere

where violation of citizens’ civil rights were implicitly condoned or at best overlooked.”

Id. In other words, there was a custom of violations or a deliberate indifference to them.

Though stemming from failure-to-train cases, “courts have adopted the ‘deliberate

indifference’ standard in other policy and custom contexts.” Beck v. City of Pittsburgh, 89

F.3d 966, 972 (3d Cir. 1996). Plaintiffs must establish “that policymakers were aware of

similar unlawful conduct in the past, but failed to take precautions against future

violations.” Id. Claims survive summary judgment when the Court has (1) statistical

evidence of inadequate IA investigations and (2) a history of complaints against the

defendant officer. Id. at 973; see also Colon v. City of Paterson, No. 12-cv-1653 WJM,

2014 WL 4441503, at *7 (D.N.J. Sept. 9, 2014). When individualized evidence is

unavailable, courts have deemed-sufficient “a sample of forty excessive force

complaints . . . bearing similarities to [the present] case and arguably evincing a tendency

on the part of the [IA] division to insulate officers from liability.” Katzenmoyer v. Camden

Police Dep’t, 08-cv-1995, 2012 WL 6691746, at *5 (D.N.J. Dec. 21, 2012) (discussing

Merman v. City of Camden, 824 F.Supp. 2d 581, 593–94 (D.N.J.2010)). Courts also accept

an increasing number of complaints over a short period. Williams v. Ponik, 15-cv-1050,

2019 WL 168827, at *11 (D.N.J. Jan. 11, 2019).

Here, Plaintiffs fail to submit evidence of similar deficient excessive force

investigations, increasing numbers of complaints, or a history of complaints against Officer

Kush. Dr. Fisher did analyze fifty IA investigations, and found them lacking in several

respects. However, neither Dr. Fisher nor Plaintiffs explain how the sample cases were

selected and how the conduct at issue was similar to the present matter. Cf. Katzenmoyer,

2012 WL 6691746 at *5 (accepting “a sample of forty excessive force complaints . . .

bearing similarities to [the present] case”). Indeed, in the few cases Dr. Fisher does

describe, there was no EDP, barricaded individual, loss of life, or service weapon used.

See Fisher Rep. at 20-32, ECF No. 129-15. Further, Plaintiffs do not address how

investigations by the Paterson Prosecutors Office in deadly force cases squares with their

theory that lax IA investigations created a culture of impunity. See id. at 9 (explaining

prosecutors’ involvement in deadly force cases). Plaintiffs’ statistical evidence is similarly

lacking. Dr. Fisher opines that four of the fifty excessive force complaints he reviewed

were sustained. Id. at 20. However, Dr. Fisher provides no baseline to judge against. And

a 4/50 sustained rate (8%) is significantly greater than the rate in cases where summary

judgment was denied. See Merman, 824 F.Supp. 2d at 590-91 (2/470 sustained, or 0.42%);

Colon, 2014 WL 4441503, at *7 (5/610 sustained, or 0.82%). Accordingly, Plaintiffs failed

to meet their threshold burden of evidencing similar unlawful conduct and subsequent

failure to take precautions (i.e., a relevant municipal custom). See Beck, 89 F.3d at 972.

Further, without any connection between the lax IA procedures and previous exonerations

of Officer Kush himself (or at least examples of exonerations in other deadly-force, EDP,

or barricade cases), Plaintiffs failed to plausibly connect the injuries suffered to a municipal

practice or custom. Accordingly, summary judgment is GRANTED on Plaintiff’s 42

U.S.C. § 1983 claims (Counts One, Two, and Five) against the Municipal Defendants.

B. State Law Claims (Counts Four, Six-Twelve)

Plaintiffs also bring state-law claims based on the same conduct discussed above.

1. Good-Faith Immunity for all State Claims

Defendants argue that, for the same reasons discussed above, they are entitled to

“good faith immunity” and summary judgment should be entered on the state law claims.

a. Protection for Entry into Residence and Bedroom

Under the New Jersey TCA’s “good faith immunity” provision, “[a] public

employee is not liable if he acts in good faith in the execution or enforcement of any law.”

N.J.S. § 59:3-3. To qualify, “[a] public employee either must demonstrate objective

reasonableness or that he behaved with subjective good faith. . . . Immunity attaches if the

employee can show either objective or subjective good faith.” Alston v. City of Camden,

168 N.J. 170, 186, 773 A.2d 693, 703 (2001) (cleaned up). “The same standard of objective

reasonableness that applies in Section 1983 actions also governs questions of good faith

arising under the [TCA].” Wildoner v. Borough of Ramsey, 162 N.J. 375, 387 (2000).

Here, the Court already determined that Sergeant Bailey’s conduct was objectively

reasonable under the circumstances. See supra Part IV.A.2-3. Thus, good faith immunity

applies. See Wildoner, 162 N.J. at 387 (finding reasonableness standard equivalent to

Section 1983 context). Accordingly, summary judgment is GRANTED on Plaintiffs’

state-law claims (Counts Four, Six-Twelve) against Bailey. As to the Municipal

Defendants, a “public entity is not liable for an injury resulting from an act or omission of

a public employee where the public employee is not liable.” N.J.S. § 59:2-2. Therefore,

summary judgment is also GRANTED for the Municipal Defendants on the state law

claims based on Sergeant Bailey’s conduct.

b. Protection for Conduct Inside Bedroom

As to Officer Kush, as discussed above, too many genuine issues of material fact

remain to determine whether his conduct was objectively reasonable. See supra Part

IV.A.3. While subjective good faith can also confer protection, Defendants fail to

sufficiently present a subjective argument. See Paterson Mot. at 32-33. As Defendants

will bear the burden of demonstrating good faith at trial, their contention that “Plaintiff has

presented no evidence to refute that Kush was acting in good faith” is insufficient. Reply

at 24; see also Donovan, 661 F.3d at 185; Leang v. Jersey City Bd. of Educ., 198 N.J. 557,

582, 969 A.2d 1097, 1112 (2009) (burden on defendants to show immunity applicable).

Immunity pursuant to N.J.S. § 30:4-27.7(a) is inapplicable, at this stage, for the same

reasons. See N.J.S. § 30:4-27.7(a) (requiring action “in good faith”). Accordingly,

summary judgment is DENIED as to Officer Kush’s good-faith immunity.

2. TCA Notice for State Claims by the Estate

The Municipal Defendants argue the Estate’s negligence (Count Four), wrongful

death (Count Six), survival (Count Seven), tortious conduct (Count Ten), negligent hiring

(Count Eleven), and negligent supervision (Count Twelve) claims against them should be

dismissed for failure to file a timely TCA Notice. Paterson Mot. at 29-31. Plaintiffs

respond that Carmen Gonzalez and Yunior Reyes filed TCA notices in their capacity as

administrators of the Estate, not individual plaintiffs. Opp. at 20. Alternatively, Plaintiffs

argue, the doctrine of “substantial compliance” forgives Plaintiffs failure and Defendants

are estopped from invoking a TCA notice defense so late in this litigation. Opp. at 21-22.

As an initial matter, Carmen Gonzalez and Yunior Reyes filed TCA notices listing

themselves as the “claimant,” did not mention claims by any “estate,” and advanced

individual claims in this lawsuit (which are now dismissed). See Murphy Ex. 41 at 20;

Amend. Compl., Caption; Nov. 3, 2016 Order, ECF No. 78. Accordingly, the Estate failed

to fully comply with the TCA. See N.J. Stat. § 59:8 (setting forth notice requirements).

Plaintiff’s estoppel argument is also easily discarded, as Defendants raised the notice issue

in their Answer. ECF No. 41 at 13.

As to substantial compliance, courts invoke the doctrine “to prevent barring

legitimate claims due to technical defects.” Lebron v. Sanchez, 407 N.J. Super. 204, 215

(App. Div. 2009) (citations omitted). Perfect compliance with the notice requirements is

unnecessary. Id. “Substantial compliance means that the notice has been given in a way,

which though technically defective, substantially satisfies the purposes for which notices

of claims are required. Id. (cleaned up). The party invoking the doctrine must show

(1) lack of prejudice to the defendant; (2) a series of steps taken to comply with the statute;

(3) a general compliance with the purpose of the statue; (4) a reasonable notice of the claim;

and (5) a reasonable explanation why there was not strict compliance with the statute. Id.

Here, despite citing Lebron, Plaintiffs only address the lack of prejudice. Opp. at

21. While Defendants did not raise this issue until their Reply, as the party invoking the

doctrine, Plaintiffs should have addressed each element in their brief. However, the Court

is cognizant of the policy underlying TCA notice decisions not to bar legitimate claims due

to technical defects. Id. Accordingly, Plaintiffs will be ORDERED TO SHOW CAUSE

how the TCA notices satisfy all five elements of substantial compliance. See id. In doing

so, counsel is cautioned not to misrepresent the notices’ content. Compare Opp. at 20-21

(stating neither Carmen nor Yunior filed individual claims and since they were not present

at the scene, the TCA Notices were “very clear” that Yunior and Carmen were

administrators), with Murphy Ex. 41 at 20-21, 13-14 (listing Yunior and Carmen as

“Claimant,” stating “Claimant [was] present,” and not including the word “administrator”).

The parties should also address whether this defense applies to the Individual Defendants.

3. Negligence Claim (Count Four)

Cross referencing other parts of their brief, Defendants argue there is no genuine

issue of material fact as to any negligence by the Defendants. Paterson Mot. at 37. The

Court agrees with respect to Sergeant Bailey. See supra Part IV.A.2. But as discussed

above, too many issues of material fact remain to reach that conclusion with respect to

Officer Kush’s conduct. See supra Part IV.A.3. For this alternative reason, summary

judgment is GRANTED on Plaintiff’s negligence claims stemming from Sergeant Bailey’s

conduct and DENIED with respect to Officer Kush’s conduct.

4. Emotional Distress Claim Threshold (Counts Eight-Nine)

Defendants argue that the Individual Plaintiffs’ negligent infliction of emotional

distress (“NIED”) claims (Count Nine) “must be dismissed because Plaintiffs are unable

to satisfy the suit threshold requirements of the [TCA].” Paterson Mot. at 19. Pursuant to

the TCA, public entities and employees are immune from damages “for pain and suffering

resulting from any injury; provided, however, that this limitation on the recovery of

damages . . . shall not apply in cases of permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent

disfigurement or dismemberment where the medical treatment expenses are in excess of

$3,600.00.” N.J.S. § 59:9-2(d). Emotional distress is considered “pain and suffering”

under the TCA. Ayers v. Jackson Twp., 106 N.J. 557, 577 (1987).

Defendants argue there is no evidence of permanent injury, aggravating

circumstances, or medical expenses exceeding $3,600.00, and thus damages for NIED are

prohibited under the statute. Plaintiffs fail to respond to those arguments. See generally

Opp. Therefore, summary judgment is GRANTED on the Individual Plaintiffs’ NIED

claims (Count Nine). See E.g., Sportscare of Am., P.C. v. Multiplan, Inc., 10-cv-4414,

2011 WL 589955, at *1 (D.N.J. Feb. 10, 2011) (“failure to respond in an opposition brief

to an argument put forward in an opening brief constitutes waiver”). While Defendants

only assert their claim-threshold argument with respect to the Individual Plaintiffs’ NIED

claims, Paterson Mot. at 19-21, the Court sees no reason why the Individual Plaintiffs’

other tort theories—especially the intentional infliction of emotional distress claims (Count

Eight)—are not subject to the same defense. Accordingly, Plaintiffs will be ORDERED

TO SHOW CAUSE why summary judgment should not be granted on the remaining state

law claims pursuant to N.J.S. § 59:9-2(d).

5. Negligent Hiring and Training (Count Eleven) and Negligent

Supervision (Count Twelve)

Defendants argue the Estate’s claims for negligent hiring and training (Count

Eleven) and Negligent Supervision (Count Twelve) are legally deficient, as there is no

record evidence to demonstrate either Officer Kush or Sergeant Bailey were unfit, nor that

any unfitness caused the injury here. Paterson Mot. at 38. Plaintiffs fail to respond or

otherwise defend the claims. See generally Opp. Br. Accordingly, and for the reasons set

forth in Defendants brief, summary judgment is GRANTED on the Estate’s negligent

hiring, training, and supervision claims (Counts Eleven and Twelve). As the same legal

reasoning applies to negligent hiring, training, and supervision claims asserted by the

Individual Plaintiffs, summary judgment is GRANTED on those claims too.

C. Remaining Issues Related to Municipal Defendants

Defendants argue that as an administrative arm of the City of Paterson, the Paterson

Police Department is not a proper Defendant. Paterson Mot. at 39. Defendants also argue

the Municipal Defendants cannot be liable for punitive damages. Id. at 19. Plaintiffs do

not object and Defendants are correct on both counts. See Opp. at 18; Padilla v. Cherry

Hill, 110 F. App’x 272, 278 (3d Cir. 2004). Accordingly, summary judgment is

GRANTED in favor of the Paterson Police Department and in favor of the City on the

issue of punitive damages.

D. Remaining Claims and Order to Show Cause

Given the complex web of overlapping claims, the Court will summarize its

understanding of which claims remain and what issues Plaintiffs should address:

• Counts 1, 2, 5: Section 1983 claims by the Estate, Javier, Leidy, and Honey against

the Individual Defendants besides Sergeant Bailey.

• Count 4: Negligence claims against all Defendants besides Bailey.

• Count 6: Wrongful death by the Estate against all Defendants besides Bailey.

• Count 7: Survivorship by the Estate against the all Defendants besides Bailey.

• Count 8: Intentional infliction of emotional distress by the Individual Plaintiffs

against the Individual Defendants besides Bailey.

• Count 10: Tortious conduct of an employee against the City of Paterson.

Plaintiffs will be ORDERED TO SHOW cause why summary judgment should

not be entered in favor of Defendants on (1) the Estate’s state-law claims for failure to

substantially comply with the TCA’s notice requirements, supra Part IV.B.2 and (2) the

Individual Plaintiffs’ state-law claims for failure to meet the TCA’s claim threshold, supra

Part IV.B.4. See FRCP 56(f)(1)-(2) (permitting court to grant summary judgment on

grounds not raised by a party after giving notice and reasonable time to respond).

V. CONCLUSION

For the reasons set forth above, Defendants Kush, Bailey, the City of Paterson, and

its Police Department’s motions for summary judgment, ECF Nos. 127-28, 130, are

GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. An appropriate order follows.

/s/ William J. Martini

Date: January 23rd, 2020 WILLIAM J. MARTINI, U.S.D.J.