Freeman v. Spoljaric

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO

WESTERN DIVISION

WENDELL KENT FREEMAN

Plaintiff,

Case No. 1:22-cv-203

v. JUDGE DOUGLAS R. COLE

Magistrate Judge Litkovitz

JONATHAN SPOLJARIC, et al.,

Defendants.

OPINION AND ORDER

Defendants Jonathan Spoljaric and Lawrence County filed the instant Motion

to Dismiss (Doc. 18) Plaintiff Wendell Kent Freeman’s Amended Complaint (Doc. 11),

and a separate Motion to Deem Requests for Admissions Admitted (Doc. 29). For the

reasons below, the Court GRANTS IN PART AND DENIES IN PART Defendants’

Motion to Dismiss (Doc. 18). Specifically, the Court GRANTS Defendants’ Motion as

to Freeman’s due process property deprivation and medical care claims against

Spoljaric in his individual capacity, all claims against Spoljaric in his official capacity,

and all claims against Lawrence County. The Court DISMISSES those claims

WITHOUT PREJUDICE and DISMISSES Lawrence County from this case.

However, the Court DENIES Defendants’ Motion as to Freeman’s excessive use of

force, unreasonable search, and First Amendment retaliation claims as against

Spoljaric in his individual capacity. Those claims may proceed.

As for Defendants’ other motion (Doc. 29), the Court ORDERS Freeman to

SHOW CAUSE in writing no later than April 28, 2023, why, given his failure to

respond to Defendants’ Requests for Admissions, the Court should not deem both sets

of Requests for Admissions fully admitted. Alternatively, Freeman may respond to

Defendants’ Requests for Admissions and notify the Court he has done so no later

than April 28, 2023. In either event, the Court hereby NOTIFIES Freeman that

continued failure to respond to Defendants’ discovery requests may result in

sanctions up to and including dismissing his case with prejudice.

BACKGROUND

The allegations thus far have been laid out in Freeman’s Complaint (Doc. 1)

and Amended Complaint (Doc. 11). In addition, Freeman has provided the Court with

security camera footage detailing the events at issue. (Doc. 11, #76). As the Court is

addressing a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6), the Court reports here as “facts”

the allegations from Freeman’s Complaints. The Court notes, though, that the video

largely confirms many of those allegations.1

A. Factual History

Freeman owns property in Lawrence County, Ohio. (Id. at #59). On that

property sits Freeman’s house, a separate “small outbuilding,” and a firing range

behind his house. (Id. at #61). Freeman once rented the outbuilding to Jennifer Woods

for her personal use, but that rental term ended on January 15, 2022. (Id.). Freeman

has installed surveillance cameras throughout his property. (Id.).

1 “When a court is presented with a Rule 12(b)(6) motion, it may consider the Complaint and

any exhibits attached thereto . . . so long as they are referred to in the Complaint and are

central to the claims contained therein.” Bassett v. Nat’l Collegiate Athletic Ass’n, 528 F.3d

426, 430 (6th Cir. 2008).

On January 22, 2022, Freeman alleges a neighbor told him that someone had

seen Jennifer Woods’s daughter, Sara Woods, break into Freeman’s primary

residence and take his belongings. (Id.). The neighbor further claimed to have seen

Sara enter the outbuilding her mother, Jennifer, had occupied—presumably to steal

items there as well. (Id.). Freeman dialed 911 to report a “burglary in progress.” (Id.

at #61–62).

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Spoljaric responded. (Id. at #62).

From the face of the allegations, it is clear Freeman and Spoljaric have some history.

After Freeman explained the situation, Spoljaric became agitated, telling Freeman,

he was “getting tired of this shit! We’ve been here 10 times!” and claiming Freeman

needed to file an eviction proceeding to remove Sara Woods. (Id.). (Based on

Freeman’s allegations, it is unclear whether Sara also previously resided on

Freeman’s property with her mother.) Freeman allegedly responded that Spoljaric

knew from prior interactions that Sara “was a problem” and that she had been told

she was no longer permitted on Freeman’s property. (Id.). Spoljaric asked Freeman

where Sara was and also asked for Jennifer’s phone number. (Id.). Freeman replied

that Sara “was down by the guardrail by the road” and gave Spoljaric Jennifer’s phone

number. (Id.). Freeman alleges Spoljaric then stated “I’m not taking your report” and

left to speak with Freeman’s neighbor and other “observers” of the incident by the

road. (Id. at #62–63).

Freeman then began recording the interaction on his cell phone. (Id. at #63).

While doing so, Freeman stated, “Here they go again. Refusing to take my report.”

(Id.). Freeman claims to have recorded for about 15 seconds before re-entering his

residence. (Id.). He then “waited for Spoljaric to leave his property.” (Id.). It is unclear

how long he waited.

At some point, Freeman claims he looked out the window and did not see

Spoljaric or the “observers” in the street where they previously had been. (Id.).

Presumably, he felt this meant Spoljaric had left. So Freeman proceeded out the back

of his home to his firing range and fired approximately five rounds. (Id.). Freeman

then walked around to the front of his house, at which time he noticed Spoljaric still

in his driveway. (Id.). Freeman continued walking to his front door and heard

Spoljaric yell something he could not understand. (Id.).

Freeman entered his home from the front door, closed the door, and placed his

firearm on the kitchen table. (Id.). Freeman then re-opened his front door, stepped

out his home, and yelled “What?” to Spoljaric. (Id. at #64). Spoljaric responded by

“complain[ing] that [Freeman] discharged his firearm.” (Id.). Freeman told Spoljaric

he believed he was entitled to “fire his weapon on his own property,” to which

Spoljaric said, “That’s not how it works.” (Id.). Freeman responded, “How does it

work?” (Id.).

At that point, Spoljaric approached Freeman while he stood just outside his

open front door. (Id.). Freeman raised his hands into the air and “stepped backwards

approximately 3 feet,” crossing the threshold into his home. (Id.). Spoljaric ordered

Freeman to exit, unholstering his pepper spray. (Id.). Freeman stood still. (Id.). With

hands still raised, Freeman stated he had done nothing wrong. (Id.). Spoljaric

deployed his pepper spray across the threshold without stepping into Freeman’s

residence. (Id.).

His hands still raised upright, Freeman turned away from Spoljaric and

“stumbled a few more feet” farther into his home. (Id.). Freeman asked why Spoljaric

had sprayed him and repeated his claim he had done nothing wrong. (Id.). Spoljaric

again demanded Freeman come outside. (Id.). When Freeman did not comply,

Spoljaric stepped into Freeman’s home and deployed his taser. (Id.). Freeman

collapsed. (Id.). Freeman alleges Spoljaric “continued the intermittent taser

electrocution [for] over a 30 second period of time.” (Id.).

Following the taser deployment, Freeman claims Spoljaric then “punched him

several times to his head and kneed [him] several times in the ribs and his back.” (Id.

at #64–65). During this time, Freeman asked “why do you keep doing this to me, sir,”

and Spoljaric allegedly responded, “I’m not going to be shot at by some fucking idiot.”

(Id. at #65). Spoljaric handcuffed Freeman and escorted him out of the home to his

cruiser. (Id.). Along the way, Freeman alleges Spoljaric intentionally pushed his head

into the door jamb. (Id.).

As noted, the Court has reviewed video footage of this altercation recorded by

a camera inside Freeman’s home and pointed at the front door. The video largely

depicts many of these events as so far described. However, Freeman leaves the frame

directly before being tased. Therefore, the video does not show Freeman being tased

or the events surrounding him being handcuffed.

Freeman next alleges Spoljaric searched his pockets, recovering various items

including his cell phone. Of some note, Freeman’s original Complaint does not allege

Spoljaric took Freeman’s phone outside the house but instead took his phone later

from inside the house. (Compare id. at #65, with Doc. 1, #6). Either way, Freeman

alleges Spoljaric took his phone.

As Spoljaric placed Freeman in his cruiser, Freeman complained he could not

breathe or see and was in pain. (Doc. 11, #65). So Spoljaric contacted local emergency

medical services. (Id.). Later, Spoljaric re-entered Freeman’s residence along with

another officer. (Id.). (It is unclear when this second officer arrived.) While in the

home, Spoljaric discussed the events with the second officer, stating “Well, then he

started recording, like he always does … and then he starts, I don’t know, shooting

in the air.” (Id.). Spoljaric seized Freeman’s firearm from the table and took several

pictures before leaving. (Id. at #66).

From the video, the Court notes that while talking with the other officer,

Spoljaric glanced at the surveillance camera pointed at him. Immediately after

noticing the camera, Spoljaric states “[Freeman] wouldn’t … then we start wrestling

over here … he wouldn’t comply, wouldn’t turn around, wouldn’t stand up. And I’m

trying to get him out and he’s still wrestling with me.” This, of course, provides at

least some evidence Freeman resisted arrest while out of frame. That said, as

Defendants have moved to dismiss, the Court must review all evidence in the light

most favorable to Freeman, and the video does not depict the “wrestling” Spoljaric

describes.

Medics transported Freeman to a local emergency room. (Id. at #66). At the

E.R., staff removed the taser prongs and poured milk in Freeman’s eyes. (Id.).

Although Freeman alleges he complained of difficulty seeing and breathing, medical

staff discharged him back into Spoljaric’s custody without performing more tests or

providing additional treatment. (Id.). Spoljaric then took Freeman to jail, where

Freeman allegedly reported “chest pains and lightheadedness” to jail staff. (Id. at

#66). After two days of similar complaints, jail staff transported Freeman back to the

hospital, where he stayed for two days. (Id. at #66–67). There, medical staff allegedly

informed Freeman he had suffered a heart attack, “a broken rib, and numerous

contusion[s] and cuts” during the incident. (Id. at #67).

Freeman was charged with four counts. (Id.). Two were felonies: Retaliation

under Ohio Revised Code § 2921.05(A) and Obstructing Official Business under Ohio

Revised Code § 2921(A) & (B). Two were misdemeanors: Aggravated Menacing under

Ohio Revised Code § 2903.21(A) & (B) and Resisting Arrest under Ohio Revised Code

§ 2921.33(A) & (D).2

Freeman alleges he then made multiple requests to have his firearm and cell

phone returned to him. (Id.). He claims to have sent a formal demand letter to the

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office to this effect on April 4, 2022. (Id. at #79–80).

Freeman further alleges a representative of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

responded that “they are not in possession” of his property. (Id. at #67).

2 When Freeman filed his Amended Complaint on June 6, 2022, he reported these charges

remained pending. (Id. at #67).

B. Procedural History

Freeman sued Spoljaric in his individual and official capacities, along with

Lawrence County as Spoljaric’s employer. (Doc. 1, #1). The Complaint contained

many of the same factual allegations already described. However, as noted above, his

original Complaint alleged Spoljaric took his cell phone from the table in the home—

an allegation Freeman has since abandoned in favor of a new version. (Id. at #6).

Freeman asserts six causes of action under Section 1983: unreasonable seizure,

excessive use of force, unreasonable search, violation of due process for the

deprivation of property, “chilling of 1st Amendment,” and a Monell claim against

Lawrence County for a failure to properly train and supervise.3 (Id. at #7–11). For

relief, he demanded a declaration his rights had been violated and damages. (Id. at

#13).

Defendants moved to dismiss for failure to state a claim. (Doc. 7). Before the

Court could rule on that matter, though, Freeman filed an Amended Complaint. (Doc.

11). Freeman’s Amended Complaint maintained many of the allegations from the

original Complaint but changed his story about how Spoljaric acquired the cell phone,

claiming Spoljaric took it directly from Freeman. (Id. at #65).

Freeman also slightly changed his causes of action. His Amended Complaint,

still proceeding under § 1983, alleges: excessive force, unreasonable search, violation

of due process for the deprivation of property, “right to be protected and receive

necessary care while in custody,” and “chilling of 1st Amendment” claims, as well as

3 The Complaint claims to have seven causes of action, but Freeman lists only six.

a Monell claim against Lawrence County for a failure to train and supervise. (Id. at

#68–72).

Defendants moved to strike Freeman’s Amended Complaint as untimely. (Doc.

13). The Magistrate Judge, though, found the Amended Complaint timely and so

issued an Order denying Defendants’ Motion to Strike. (Doc. 17, #127). In addition,

the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation advising the Court to

deny Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss as moot because it referred to a non-operative

complaint. (Id.). The Court adopted the recommendation. (12/8/2022 Not. Order).

Defendants renewed their Motion to Dismiss on July 25, 2022. (Doc. 18).

Freeman responded, (Doc. 27), and Defendants replied (Doc. 28). The Court addresses

each of the parties’ arguments below.

Separately, on February 7, 2023, Defendants alerted the Court that Freeman

had not responded to two Requests for Admissions sent to him. (Doc. 29). Defendants

alleged they sent Freeman a first set of Requests for Admissions the previous June

and a “follow-up” reminder that August. (Id. at #217). They claim Freeman never

responded. (Id.). Defendants also claim they sent Freeman a second set of Requests

for Admissions in January 2023 with no reply. (Id.). As a result, Defendants moved

this Court to order those queries as fully admitted under Federal Rule of Civil

Procedure 36(a)(3). (Id. at #216). Even as to that Motion, Freeman has never

responded.

Finally, as the Court prepared to rule on Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss, it took

notice that Freeman’s Amended Complaint alleged his state criminal proceedings

remained pending as of that time. Accordingly, on February 8, 2023, the Court issued

the following:

Based on the allegations in the Amended Complaint, the Court takes

notice that the issues raised in this case may relate to pending state

court criminal proceedings. This in turn may raise abstention questions

under Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37 (1971). Therefore, the Court orders

Freeman and Defendants to each file briefing not to exceed 10 pages as

to whether Younger requires abstention in this action, and if so, as to

which claims.

(2/8/2023 Not. Order).

Both parties responded. (Docs. 32 & 33). According to Defendants, Freeman

had since pled guilty to disorderly conduct, a minor misdemeanor and has been

sentenced. (Doc. 32, #277). However, Freeman appealed that judgment, and that

appeal (apparently) remains pending. (Id.). Nonetheless, both parties agreed that

Freeman’s final judgment in the trial court mooted any need for abstention under

Younger. (Id. at #278; Doc. 33, #290). Thus all of the matters set forth above are ripe.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

Defendants move to dismiss Freeman’s Amended Complaint for “failure to

state a claim upon which relief can be granted.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). In resolving

that motion, the Court must “construe the complaint in the light most favorable to

the plaintiff, accept its allegations as true, and draw all reasonable inferences in favor

of the plaintiff.” Bassett v. Nat’l Collegiate Athletic Ass’n, 528 F.3d 426, 430 (6th Cir.

2008) (internal quotation marks omitted). That is so, however, only as to well-pled

factual allegations. The Court need not accept “‘naked assertions’ devoid of ‘further

factual enhancement’” or mere “formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of

action.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009) (brackets omitted) (citing Bell Atl.

Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 557 (2007)).

At the pleadings stage, a complaint must “state[] a claim for relief that is

plausible, when measured against the elements” of a claim. Darby v. Childvine, Inc.,

964 F.3d 440, 444 (6th Cir. 2020) (citing Binno v. Am. Bar Ass’n, 826 F.3d 338, 345–

46 (6th Cir. 2016)). “To survive a motion to dismiss, in other words, [Freeman] must

make sufficient factual allegations that, taken as true, raise the likelihood of a legal

claim that is more than possible, but indeed plausible.” Id. (citations omitted).

Freeman’s federal claims against Spoljaric also raise issues of qualified

immunity. Qualified immunity is an affirmative defense, so a party may forfeit it if

not invoked. T.S. v. Doe, 742 F.3d 632, 635 (6th Cir. 2014). But Spoljaric has asserted

it here. (Doc. 18, #141–42). So Freeman must plausibly allege both that Spoljaric

violated his constitutional rights and that the right had been sufficiently “clearly

established” so that “a reasonable person in [Spoljaric’s position] would have known.”

Brown v. Lewis, 779 F.3d 401, 411 (6th Cir. 2015) (quoting Silberstein v. City of

Dayton, 440 F.3d 306, 311 (6th Cir. 2006)); Siefert v. Hamilton County, 951 F.3d 753,

761 (6th Cir. 2020) (noting a complaint need only plausibly allege the elements to

survive qualified immunity). Thus, where he invokes qualified immunity, Spoljaric

can prevail by showing either that there was no constitutional violation, or that any

violation did not involve a clearly established constitutional right. Id. (citing Sample

v. Bailey, 409 F.3d 689, 696 (6th Cir. 2005)). And the Court is free to take those two

questions—the existence of the constitutional right, or whether it was clearly

established—in either order. See Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 231 (2009).

LAW AND ANALYSIS

Defendants have moved to dismiss Freeman’s six claims. For the reasons

discussed, Freeman has not plausibly allegedly many of his claims. However,

Freeman has plausibly alleged an excessive use of force claim, an unreasonable

search claim, and a First Amendment retaliation claim, all against Spoljaric in his

individual capacity. Separately, Spoljaric has failed to establish (or as to some claims

even plead) that he is entitled to qualified immunity as to these three claims.

A. Defendants Waived Abstention Under Younger v. Harris.

Freeman’s Amended Complaint alleged he had been charged with four counts

in state criminal court. (Doc. 11, #67). And his Amended Complaint attested these

charges remained pending at that time. (Id.). The Court, concerned about the

potential of interfering with ongoing state court criminal proceedings, ordered the

parties to submit “briefing as to whether [Younger v. Harris] requires abstention in

this action.” (2/8/2023 Not. Ord. (citing Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37 (1971)). Both

parties did. (Docs. 32 & 33).

In their response, Defendants argued no abstention was necessary because

“there are no on-going state proceedings that warrant this Court’s abstention.” (Doc.

32, #278). Defendants believe that, despite Freeman actively appealing his

conviction, the trial court’s final judgment ended the proceedings for purposes of

Younger. (Id. at #275–76). As for Freeman, he likewise agreed the doctrine does not

warrant abstention while he prosecutes his appeal. (Doc. 33, #290–91).

The Sixth Circuit has yet to say at what point a state proceeding is no longer

“ongoing” for Younger purposes. But the Court need not answer that question, as

Defendants have waived abstention. O’Neill v. Coughlan, 511 F.3d 638, 641 (6th Cir.

2008). After the Court raised the issue, Defendants concluded Younger does not apply

and urged the Court rule on their Motion to Dismiss. That amounts to express wavier.

See id.; Cremeans v. Taczak, No. 2:19-cv-2703, 2019 WL 5420256, at *7 (S.D. Ohio

Oct. 23, 2019). So even if Freeman’s state criminal proceedings are “ongoing” while

he appeals, that is irrelevant. Accordingly, the Court will ignore any potential

Younger issues and proceed to rule on Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss.

B. Freeman Has Not Plausibly Alleged A Due Process Property

Deprivation Claim, A Monell Claim, Or An Inadequate Medical Care

Claim.

The Court can quickly dispose of Freeman’s due process, Monell, and medical

care claims. Start with his Fourteenth Amendment due process property deprivation

claim. Freeman alleges Spoljaric took his cell phone. (Doc. 11, #69–70). To Freeman,

Defendants deprived him of his property without due process. (Id.). And Defendants

have not returned his phone despite a letter demanding as much. (Id. at #79–80).

One problem though. To state a due process deprivation-of-property claim, a

“plaintiff must plead and prove that state remedies for redressing the wrong are

inadequate.” Vicory v. Walton, 721 F.2d 1062, 1065–66 (6th Cir. 1983). “If satisfactory

state procedures are provided in a procedural due process case, then no constitutional

deprivation has occurred despite the injury.” Jefferson v. Jefferson Cnty. Pub. Sch.

Sys., 360 F.3d 583, 587–88 (6th Cir. 2004). If a plaintiff does not plead the inadequacy

of state procedures, dismissal is appropriate. Gibbs v. Hopkins, 10 F.3d 373, 377–78

(6th Cir. 1993).

Here, Freeman did not plead the inadequacy of state procedures. Nothing in

the Amended Complaint or his Response discusses state remedies. Absent that,

Freeman’s due process claim insufficiently pled. See Vicory, 721 F.2d at 1065–66.

Turn to the Monell claims. There are many. To start, Freeman presents one

Monell claim explicitly naming Defendant Lawrence County. (Doc. 11, #72–73).

There, Freeman alleges Lawrence County “bears liability for the lack of training and

supervision of its employees.” (Id.). But that’s not all. In reality, each of Freeman’s

official capacity claims against Spoljaric also amounts to a Monell claim against the

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. United Food & Com. Workers Local 1099 v. City of

Sidney, 364 F.3d 738, 752 (6th Cir. 2004).

All of these Monell claims fail for the same reason. A Monell claimant must

demonstrate “that the municipality had a ‘policy or custom’ that caused the violation

of his rights.” Wright v. City of Euclid, 962 F.3d 852, 879–80 (6th Cir. 2020) (citing

Monell v. Dep’t of Soc. Servs. of City of New York, 436 U.S. 658,694 (1978)). Monell

liability cannot proceed under a respondeat superior theory based on the unlawful

acts of an employee. Burgess v. Fischer, 735 F.3d 462, 478 (6th Cir. 2013) (citing

Monell, 436 U.S. at 694). Thus, Freeman’s allegations must implicate the

municipality directly, here Lawrence County or the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

Doe v. Claiborne County, 103 F.3d 495, 507–08 (6th Cir. 1996). And to do that,

Freeman must plausibly allege one or more of the following: “(1) the existence of an

illegal official policy or legislative enactment; (2) that an official with final decision

making authority ratified illegal actions; (3) the existence of a policy of inadequate

training or supervision; or (4) the existence of a custom of tolerance [of] or

acquiescence [to] federal rights violations.” Burgess, 735 F.3d at 478. Freeman alleges

none of these. He offers only are bare legal conclusions which the Court properly

disregards. See Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678. That is not enough.

Finally, Freeman’s inadequate medical care claim. Freeman claims he “was

denied his necessary medications, requests for water, and denied [a] proper medical

assessment after suffering a heart attack subsequent to excessive electrocution by

taser for approximately 2 days.”4 (Doc. 11, #71). He concludes “Defendant Lawrence

County through its jail employees violated Plaintiff[’]s rights relating to the 14th

Amendment and did so with deliberate indifference.” (Id.). But Freeman only actually

accuses Lawrence County, not Spoljaric (who was not at the jail) or any jail employee,

of neglecting his care—so this amounts to yet another Monell claim. For the same

reasons the above Monell claim fails, this claim fails too.

C. Freeman Has Plausibly Alleged His Excessive Use Of Force,

Unreasonable Search, And First Amendment Retaliation Claims.

Freeman finds more success in his other claims. He has plausibly alleged his

excessive use of force claim, his unreasonable search claim, and his First Amendment

4 While the allegation is ambiguous, the Court assumes that Freeman is alleging that the

medical assessment was delayed by two days, not that the tasing lasted for two days.

retaliation claim, all against Spoljaric in his individual capacity. Notably, Spoljaric

has asserted qualified immunity only as to Freeman’s excessive use of force claim. As

to that claim, at least at the motion to dismiss stage, the Court concludes that

Spoljaric is not entitled to qualified immunity. Of course, Spoljaric may reallege this

defense if more facts come to light.

1. Freeman Has Plausibly Alleged A Claim For The Excessive Use

Of Force.

Spoljaric argues he is entitled to qualified immunity as to Freeman’s excessive

use of force claim. (Doc. 18, #141–44). As a result, the Court must determine both

whether Spoljaric violated Freeman’s constitutional rights and whether the right was

“clearly established.” Brown, 779 F.3d at 411.

Begin with the constitutional violation. The Fourth Amendment prohibits

unreasonable searches and seizures. U.S. Const. amend. IV. This includes prohibiting

the use of excessive force in effectuating an arrest. Goodwin v. City of Painesville, 781

F.3d 314, 321 (6th Cir. 2015). The Court evaluates “whether the officers’ actions are

‘objectively reasonable’ in light of the facts and circumstances confronting them,

without regard to their underlying intent or motivation.” Id. (quoting Graham v.

Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 397 (1989)) (internal quotation marks omitted). In other words,

an officer’s subjective beliefs are irrelevant. See Est. of Hill by Hill v. Miracle, 853

F.3d 306, 312 (6th Cir. 2017).

Beyond that, the force is “judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer

on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight” and “requires a careful

balancing of the nature and quality of the intrusion on the individual’s Fourth

Amendment interests against the countervailing governmental interests at stake.”

Goodwin, 781 F.3d at 321. The Court also must remain cognizant that “[p]olice

officers routinely face ‘tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving’ situations that force

split-second judgments about the degree of force required.” Reich v. City of

Elizabethtown, 945 F.3d 968, 978 (6th Cir. 2019) (quoting Graham, 490 U.S. at 397).

Against this backdrop, three factors act guide the excessive force inquiry:

“[1] the severity of the crime at issue, [2] whether the suspect poses an immediate

threat to the safety of the officers or others, and [3] whether he is actively resisting

arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.” Shreve v. Jessamine Cnty. Fiscal Ct.,

453 F.3d 681, 687 (6th Cir. 2006). That said, the analysis ultimately boils down to the

totality of the circumstances as would be perceived by a reasonable officer in the

moment. Goodwin, 781 F.3d at 321.

An important dividing line exists between active and passive resistance. Id. at

323. Active resistance can be recognized by some combination of “volatility, hostility,

and danger in a way that increases with the passage of time.” Eldridge v. City of

Warren, 533 F. App’x 529, 535 (6th Cir. 2013). Active resistance, like physically

refusing to be handcuffed, “verbal hostility,” or “deliberate acts of defiance,” justifies

officers tasing a suspect or applying another form of equivalent or lesser force.

Goodwin, 781 F.3d at 323; Hagans v. Franklin Cnty. Sheriff’s Office, 695 F.3d 505,

509 (6th Cir. 2012). But passive resistance will not justify the same response.

Goodwin, 781 F.3d at 323. Passive resistance occurs when a suspect does not comply

with an officer’s orders, but the noncompliance is “not paired with any signs of verbal

hostility or physical resistance.” Eldridge, 533 F. App’x at 535. Even repeated refusals

to comply will not, by themselves, convert passive into active resistance. See id.

Freeman, in effect, alleges four distinct applications of excessive force: (1) the

pepper spray; (2) the taser; (3) the punching/kicking; and (4) the head-in-the-door-

jamb injury. (Doc. 11, #64–65). The Court will start by discussing the similarities

among all four before addressing each individually. At the outset, the Court

emphasizes that it does not consider whether Spoljaric had probable cause to arrest

Freeman—only whether Spoljaric used excessive force in effectuating that arrest.5

First, the similarities—beginning with the severity of the offense. Freeman

allegedly committed a relatively severe underlying crime: firing a gun to intimidate

Spoljaric.6 The Court will not downplay that offense. That said, there is no evidence

(at least for now) a reasonable officer in the same situation would have believed

Freeman fired his gun at them. After all, Freeman was charged with Retaliation and

Obstructing Official Business, not Attempted Murder.

Also similar throughout, Freeman’s allegations tend to show he offered mostly

passive, not active, resistance. Freeman’s Amended Complaint contains no

5 Freeman’s Response to Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss seemingly argues Spoljaric

performed an unlawful arrest because he lacked probable cause Freeman had committed a

crime. Freeman did not bring a cause of action for unlawful arrest though. Thus, whether

Spoljaric had probable cause is irrelevant.

6 Courts in this circuit are divided on whether this is considered a serious crime. Compare

Trimble v. Parisek, No. 11-12932, 2013 WL 5449571, at *4 (E.D. Mich. Sept. 30, 2013) (“[T]he

crime at issue was serious—Plaintiff shot a gun into the air. . . .”), with Adams v. Village of

Beaver, No. 2:08-cv-677, 2011 WL 1303273, at *7 (S.D. Ohio Mar. 31, 2011) (“[T]he nature of

the alleged crime (discharging a firearm from a porch), without more, arguably was not

severe enough to warrant the use of any force.”). This Court stands somewhere in the middle,

agreeing that firing a gun into the air is serious but also not per se warranting the immediate

application of force.

allegations of physical resistance, verbal hostility, or deliberate acts of defiance.

Instead, Freeman (1) defied Spoljaric’s order to come away from the house before

(2) stepping backwards inside the house (3) with his hands raised while (4) stating he

had done nothing wrong. (Doc. 11, #64). That is passive resistance. See Goodwin, 781

F.3d at 323; Eldridge, 533 F. App’x at 535 (“[N]oncompliance alone does not indicate

active resistance; there must be something more.”). And while, as discussed below,

the situation did become more volatile after Spoljaric pepper sprayed Freeman, there

are no facts (yet) to show Freeman planned to harm Spoljaric or himself. Granted,

the Court has not yet heard Spoljaric’s side of the events and bases that conclusion

on Freeman’s allegations and the surveillance video, but that is what the Court has

to go on at this juncture.

In many ways, this case looks similar to Goodwin v. City of Painesville, where

a suspect spoke with an officer at his doorway before defying police orders by refusing

to come outside. 781 F.3d at 323. There, the court found the suspect only passively

resisted by retreating into their own home against police orders. Id. Here, Freeman’s

conduct is largely the same, retreating into and remaining within his own home

against Spoljaric’s orders. Therefore, based on the allegations to date, the Court

concludes Freeman offered passive resistance.

Against that backdrop, the Court now examines each of the four described

applications of force. Start with the pepper spray. Freeman claims he stood a few feet

outside his front door when Spoljaric began yelling at him. (Doc. 11, #64). At this

point, Spoljaric had recently heard Freeman fire a gun five times, but Spoljaric could

not see the weapon. (Id.). As Spoljaric approached, Freeman raised his hands into the

air and stepped backwards into his home. (Id.). Spoljaric ordered Freeman to come

outside while Spoljaric unholstered his pepper spray. (Id.). After Freeman did not

move, Spoljaric deployed pepper spray. (Id.). The video confirms this.

“An officer has used excessive force when he pepper sprays a suspect who has

not been told she is under arrest and is not resisting arrest.” Grawey v. Drury, 567

F.3d 302, 311 (6th Cir. 2009); see also Atkins v. Township of Flint, 94 F. App’x 342,

349 (6th Cir. 2004) (finding use of pepper spray unreasonable where plaintiff “was

not told that he was under arrest, … did not start the physical altercation, and …

there was no reason not to tell him he was under arrest”). Tasers are treated

similarly.7 See Goodwin, 781 F.3d at 326; Kent v. Oakland County, 810 F.3d 384, 390–

92 (6th Cir. 2016). Thus, the officer should give “a statement that [the suspect] was

under arrest or an order to get on the ground or something similar” to make it

“objectively apparent” to the suspect they were under arrest before the suspect’s

resistance warrants pepper spray or a taser. Goodwin, 781 F.3d at 326; see also

Cockrell v. City of Cincinnati, 468 F. App’x 491, 498 (6th Cir. 2012).

“[T]here is a very limited class of circumstances when the use of pepper spray

is proper, including where a detainee is unsecured, acting violently, and posing a

7 The Sixth Circuit previously quoted a police manual suggesting the use of a tasers falls

somewhere above pepper spray along the “force continuum” officers employ. Griffith v.

Coburn, 473 F.3d 650, 657 (6th Cir. 2007). Other circuits suggest the two are relatively co-

equal. Abbott v. Sangamon County, 705 F.3d 706, 726 (7th Cir. 2013); Brown v. City of Golden

Valley, 574 F.3d 491, 500 n.6 (8th Cir. 2009). Still, the two have differing functions, benefits

and drawbacks. See Eugene Volokh, Nonlethal Self-Defense, (Almost Entirely) Nonlethal

Weapons, and the Rights to Keep and Bear Arms and Defend Life, 62 STAN. L. REV. 199, 204–

07 (2009).

threat to himself or others.” Cabaniss v. City of Riverside, 231 F. App’x 407, 413 (6th

Cir. 2007); see also Hagans, 695 F.3d at 510–11 (permitting taser to subdue an

arrestee “out of control” who “continued forcefully to resist arrest”); Kent, 810 F.3d at

391 (noting a taser is permissible where the arrestee is a “physical and immediate

safety threat”); Gaddis v. Redford Township, 364 F.3d 763, 774 (6th Cir. 2004)

(permitting pepper spray to stop an armed arrestee from fleeing); Monday v. Oullette,

118 F.3d 1099 (6th Cir. 1997) (permitting pepper spray to subdue an arrestee from

harming themselves).

Although admittedly a close case, the Court concludes that Freeman has

plausibly alleged Spoljaric used excessive force in deploying pepper spray. When

Spoljaric did so, Freeman faced Spoljaric, had not made any sudden movements, and

had his arms raised into the air. Although Freeman had not complied with Spoljaric’s

order to come outside, Spoljaric did not tell Freeman he was under arrest. And

critically, Spoljaric had not ordered Freeman to get on the ground or something

similar that would have made it “objectively apparent” to Freeman that he was under

arrest. Indeed, recall that Freeman had summoned Spoljaric to his property in the

first place, perhaps making it even less likely for Freeman to conclude that Spoljaric

was arresting him.

True enough, Spoljaric had heard Freeman discharge a firearm not long

beforehand. Spoljaric claims his use of pepper spray was justified because he did not

know where Freeman had placed the gun, and a reasonable officer could fear

Freeman might retrieve the gun from inside the house. (Id. at #143–44). And in

fairness to Spoljaric, an officer does not use excessive force by deploying non-lethal

force to subdue an “armed and volatile suspect.” Bing v. City of Whitehall, 456 F.3d

555, 569–70 (6th Cir. 2006); Ewolski v. City of Brunswick, 287 F.3d 492, 508 (6th Cir.

2002).

That said, despite his noncompliance, Freeman gave no indication he planned

to harm Spoljaric as he stood in the doorway. Empty hands raised and standing still,

Freeman can hardly have been considered an “armed and volatile suspect.” And

Spoljaric had, again, not told Freeman that he was under arrest. See Goodwin, 781

F.3d at 326. Based on the totality of the circumstances (as alleged by Freeman),

Freeman has plausibly alleged Spoljaric employed excessive force by pepper spraying

him. Again, additional facts may change the Court’s view on that, but that is a

question for another day.

Turn now to the taser, which is better for Spoljaric in some ways and worse in

others. After Spoljaric deployed pepper spray, Freeman retreated farther within his

home and turned his back to Spoljaric. (Doc. 11, #64). At this point, the situation

became more volatile. Although Freeman kept his arms in the air, he now faced away

from Spoljaric. (Id.). Again, the video shows this. In this position, Freeman could have

more easily reached for a weapon without Spoljaric seeing. Moreover, Freeman can

no longer have doubted Spoljaric intended to arrest him. Yet Freeman nonetheless

continued to move away from Spoljaric. Thus, the situation developed in a way that

heightened the danger for Spoljaric and made clear to Freeman he could no longer

offer resistance. So Spoljaric did not use excessive force by tasing Freeman.8

But how long Spoljaric tased Freeman is a different question. Freeman claims

Spoljaric “continued the intermittent taser electrocution of [Freeman] over a 30

second period of time.” (Id.). While the initial tasing was constitutionally acceptable,

30 seconds of “intermittent taser electrocution” could be excessive based on the

allegations here. See Goodwin, 781 F.3d at 324. And even if Freeman resisted before,

the Amended Complaint does not allege, and the video does not show, that Freeman

continued to resist during those 30 seconds.9

Again, Goodwin offers guidance. There, the suspect was tased for a total of 26

seconds—well past the point of resistance. Id. at 318. The court held “previously-

resisting suspects have a constitutional right to be free of a gratuitous application of

a Taser once they have stopped all resistance.” Id. at 324. Here, Freeman alleges an

even longer overall period of electrocution. True, “intermittent” could mean many

things. Perhaps Spoljaric only actively electrocuted Freeman for 10 seconds spread

out over 30. Perhaps longer. And indeed, that Freeman allegedly suffered a heart

attack tends to support an inference he received an extended electrocution. (Doc. 11,

8 Granted, it is unclear whether Freeman had full control of his body at this point. He alleges

he “stumbled” backwards, presumably not as an intentional act. (Doc. 11, #64). Still,

Freeman’s turning away and continued retreat into his home increased the danger for a

reasonable officer in Spoljaric’s position. Based on the totality-of-the-circumstances, a

reasonable officer could believe employing a taser necessary.

9 As described above, the surveillance video later shows Spoljaric informing a fellow officer

that Freeman continued to resist. It is unclear if Spoljaric means Freeman resisted while

being tased, in the handcuffing process, or both. At the pleading stage, though, the Court

cannot rely on Spoljaric’s unsworn statement.

#67). But for now, the Court simply concludes that 30 seconds of “intermittent”

electrocution plausibly extended beyond (maybe well beyond) Freeman’s resistance.

Accordingly, Freeman has plausibly alleged Spoljaric used excessive force in tasing

him for the amount of time that he allegedly did.

The punching and kneeing allegations follow a similar path. After being pepper

sprayed and tased, Freeman claims Spoljaric “punched him several times to his head

and kneed [Freeman] several times in the ribs and his back.” (Doc. 11, #65). Later,

medical personnel allegedly told Freeman he suffered “a broken rib” and “numerous

contusions and cuts” from the altercation. (Id. at #67). The video does not show this,

meaning the Court is left with Freeman’s allegations from the Amended Complaint

alone.

Once more, Freeman has plausibly alleged Spoljaric employed excessive force.

At least from the Amended Complaint, there is no evidence Freeman continued to

resist following the tasing. If that is so, Spoljaric’s alleged attack cannot be justified

as an attempt to subdue a dangerous or volatile suspect. See Goodwin, 781 F.3d at

324. And Freeman’s resulting physical injuries further evidence potentially excessive

force. From the allegations to date, it appears Freeman’s physical injuries, such as

his broken rib, occurred at this juncture—i.e., it seems unlikely the pepper spray,

taser, or the impact with the door-jamb are to blame. But following 30 seconds of

“intermittent” electrocution, it is unclear why a reasonable officer in Spoljaric’s

position would need to apply force sufficient to break Freeman’s rib. Once again, the

Court has yet to hear Spoljaric’s side (beyond his statement in the video). But at this

stage Freeman has plausibly alleged Spoljaric’s “punching” and “kneeing” constituted

excessive force.

Finally, the head-into-the-door-jamb allegation. After allegedly punching and

kneeing Freeman, Spoljaric handcuffed him and took him to his cruiser. (Doc. 11,

#59). On the way, Freeman claims Spoljaric “forcefully pushed Freeman’s face into

the door-jam as they exited the home.” (Id.). The video depicts Freeman’s head

running into the door jamb. Here again, Freeman plausibly alleges excessive force,

particularly to the extent Spoljaric (allegedly) intentionally injured Freeman. See

Coley v. Lucas County, 799 F.3d 530, 540–51 (6th Cir. 2015) (noting violent physical

force applied out of frustration and anger without penological justification constitutes

excessive force).

In short, Freeman has plausibly alleged Spoljaric violated his constitutional

rights through four separate applications of excessive force. That leaves the second

prong of qualified immunity—whether the right was clearly established.

Qualified immunity presents a fact-sensitive analysis, making it generally a

“bad fit” for a motion to dismiss based on the pleadings. Siefert, 951 F.3d at 761; see

also Jacobs v. City of Chicago, 215 F.3d 758, 775 (7th Cir. 2000) (Easterbrook, J.,

concurring in part) (recognizing dismissal based on the pleadings “is a mismatch for

[qualified] immunity and almost always a bad ground of dismissal”). “Without more

than the complaint to go on, the court ‘cannot fairly tell whether a case is “obvious”

or “squarely governed” by precedent,’ making qualified immunity inappropriate.”

Siefert, 951 F.3d at 761 (quoting Guertin v. State, 912 F.3d 907, 917 (6th Cir. 2019);

Moderwell v. Cuyahoga County, 997 F.3d 653, 661 (6th Cir. 2021). Instead, courts

typically recognize that summary judgment, not a Rule 12 motion, presents the

earliest point when dismissal for qualified immunity is proper. Wesley v. Campbell,

779 F.3d 421, 433 (6th Cir. 2015); Evans–Marshall v. Bd. of Educ. of Tipp City

Exempted Village Sch. Dist., 428 F.3d 223, 235 (6th Cir. 2005) (Sutton, J., concurring)

(recognizing it is “difficult for a defendant to claim qualified immunity on the

pleadings before discovery”). To be clear, though, “this is only a ‘general preference,’

not an absolute one.” Siefert, 951 F.3d at 761. If plaintiffs present clearly

“‘insubstantial claims’ against government officials,” qualified immunity should “be

resolved prior to discovery.” Pearson, 555 U.S. at 231 (quoting Anderson v. Creighton,

483 U.S. 635, 640 n.2 (1987)).

For purposes of Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss, Spoljaric has not shown he is

entitled to qualified immunity as to Freeman’s excessive force claim. Prior to January

22, 2022, the Sixth Circuit clearly established a suspect has a right to not be pepper

sprayed unless told or otherwise led to believe they are under arrest. See Grawey, 567

F.3d at 311. Further, the Circuit clearly established a suspect has a right not be tased

or otherwise intentionally hit/injured after ceasing resistance. See Goodwin, 781 F.3d

at 324. Given those cases, Spoljaric is not entitled to qualified immunity at this point.

That said, with aid of additional facts and further discovery, Spoljaric may re-raise

this defense at a later date.

2. Freeman Has Plausibly Alleged An Unreasonable Search

Claim.10

Freeman next alleges Spoljaric “absent any warrant, personal invitation, or

exigent circumstances chose to enter into [his] home and make a search and seize of

items absent due cause.” (Doc. 11, #69). Specifically, Freeman claims Spoljaric

entered his home to arrest him and then re-entered his home after the arrest to

recover Freeman’s firearm and take photos of the scene. (Id. at #65–66).

“A police officer’s entry into a home without a warrant”—like Spoljaric’s

here—“is presumptively unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment.” Barton v.

Martin, 949 F.3d 938, 948 (6th Cir. 2020) (quoting Ewolski v. City of Brunswick, 287

F.3d 492, 501 (6th Cir. 2002)). Indeed, an officer’s “physical entry of the home is the

chief evil against which [the Amendment] is directed.” Lange v. California, 141 S. Ct.

2011, 2018 (2021) (quoting Payton v. New York, 445 U.S. 573, 585, 587 (1980)); United

States v. Yoon, 398 F.3d 802, 808 (6th Cir. 2005) (Kennedy, J., concurring) (“The

Fourth Amendment … draws a firm line at the entry to one’s house such that a police

officer may not, in the absence of exigent circumstances or consent, enter a house to

arrest or search without first obtaining a warrant.”).

Only limited circumstances permit an officer to enter a suspect’s home without

a warrant or consent. Those include: “(1) when the officers were in hot pursuit of a

fleeing suspect; (2) when the suspect represented an immediate threat to the

arresting officers and public; (3) when immediate police action was necessary to

10 Freeman’s Amended Complaint does not explicitly allege a claim for an unreasonable

seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Therefore, the Court does not evaluate these

facts for a Fourth Amendment unreasonable seizure claim.

prevent the destruction of vital evidence or thwart the escape of known criminals,”

along with (4) “when they reasonably believe that a person within is in need of

immediate aid.” Causey v. City of Bay City, 442 F.3d 524, 529 (6th Cir. 2006) (quoting

first Hancock v. Dodson, 958 F.2d 1367, 1375 (6th Cir. 1992), then Mincey v. Arizona,

437 U.S. 385, 392 (1978)). A warrantless entry must be “limited in scope and

proportionate to the exigency excusing the warrant requirement.” United States v.

Hill, No. 22-5274, 2023 WL 152474, at *3 (6th Cir. Jan. 11, 2023) (quoting United

States v. Sangineto-Miranda, 859 F.2d 1501, 1513 (6th Cir. 1988)).

Spoljaric argues he had an exigency to enter the home based on Freeman’s

possession of a firearm. (Doc. 18, #145). True, officers may enter a home without a

warrant to apprehend a “reckless gunman” who poses a “risk of danger to the police

or others.” United States v. Johnson, 106 F. App’x 363, 368 (6th Cir. 2004); see also

Dickerson v. McClellan, 101 F.3d 1151, 1160 (6th Cir. 1996). But “[e]vidence that

firearms are within a residence, by itself, is not sufficient to create an exigency.”

Barton, 949 F.3d at 948 (quoting United States v. Bates, 84 F.3d 790, 795 (6th Cir.

1996)). Instead, police must have “information that the suspect was armed and likely

to use a weapon or become violent.” Id. Even in the context of a “shots-fired report,”

police need “additional evidence of an immediate threat before entering a home

without a warrant.” Id.; United States v. Bates, 84 F.3d 790, 795–96 (6th Cir. 1996)

(finding no exigent circumstances when a suspect had a firearm in the residence but

there was no evidence the suspect may become violent).

But another exigency could also apply here—hot pursuit. A suspect’s flight into

the home cannot shield them from an ongoing felony arrest.11 United States v.

Santana, 427 U.S. 38, 42–43 (1976); Lange, 141 S. Ct. at 2020 (cabining the

justification to felonies). Where an officer already has probable cause for a felony

arrest and begins that arrest, the suspect’s retreat into the home may create a “true

hot pursuit” justifying a warrantless entry of the home to complete it. Santana, 427

U.S. at 43. In other words, a suspect’s “act of retreating into her house” cannot “defeat

an arrest that had been set in motion in a public place.” Lange, 141 S. Ct. at 2019

(cleaned up); Smith v Stoneburner, 716 F.3d 926, 931 (6th Cir. 2013) (“The ‘pursuit’

begins when police start to arrest a suspect in a public place, the suspect flees and

the officers give chase.”). And this rule applies even when officers first encounter the

suspect right at the threshold of his or her front door. Santana, 427 U.S. at 40 n.1, 42

(holding an arrestee is in a “public place” without Fourth Amendment protection

when they are “exposed to public view, speech, hearing, and touch”).

Read expansively, Freeman describes two potentially relevant searches. First,

Spoljaric’s initial entry to arrest Freeman. (See Doc. 11, #64–65). Second, Spoljaric’s

re-entry after arresting Freeman. (See id.).

Begin with the former. After hearing gunfire, Spoljaric next encountered

Freeman while Freeman stood outside his home. (Doc. 11, #64). Spoljaric confronted

Freeman about firing his gun, and Freeman admitted to doing so. (See id.). By that

11 Granted, the rule articulated in United States v. Santana is not categorical. See Lange, 141

S. Ct. at 2020; Coffey v. Carroll, 933 F.3d 577, 586 (6th Cir. 2019). However, the Court

believes the circumstances at issue in this case more closely mirror Santana than those cases

casting doubt on Santana.

point, Spoljaric arguably had formed probable cause to arrest Freeman for felony

Retaliation under Ohio Revised Code § 2921.05(A).12 As Spoljaric approached him,

Freeman retreated into his home. (Doc. 11, #64). Spoljaric ordered Freeman outside,

and Freeman refused. (Id. at #64–65). Spoljaric then pepper sprayed into Freeman’s

house while still standing outside. (Id. at #65). Afterwards, Spoljaric himself

physically entered. (Id. at #65).

From these allegations, exigent circumstances permitted Spoljaric to enter

Freeman’s home without a warrant. Spoljaric formed probable cause to arrest

Freeman for a felony and began the arresting process while Freeman stood outside

his home in a place where he had no reasonable expectation of privacy. Santana, 427

U.S. at 42. Thus, the felony arrest was “set in motion in a public place.” Lange, 141

S. Ct. at 2019. Freeman’s retreat into his home created a “hot pursuit,” meaning

Spoljaric lawfully entered the home to complete that arrest.

For his part, Freeman argues Spoljaric misplaces reliance on Dickerson, which

held the “presence of a weapon creates exigent circumstances” where police had

information the “suspect was armed and likely to use the weapon or become violent.”

101 F.3d at 1160. Freeman claims he posed no threat to Spoljaric, meaning no

exigency existed. (Doc. 27, #196–97). But this misses the point. A different exigency

permitted Spoljaric to enter Freeman’s house at that time—the “hot pursuit” created

by Freeman’s retreat into his home.

12 The Court takes no position whether Freeman indeed violated this provision, only that

Spoljaric likely had probable cause to effectuate an arrest.

That leaves Spoljaric’s re-entry. And there, the situation is different. Based on

the allegations in the Amended Complaint, no justification existed for Spoljaric to re-

enter Freeman’s home following his arrest. After subduing and securing Freeman—

ending the “hot pursuit” exigency—Spoljaric no longer had cause to enter the home

without a warrant. See United States v. Mallory, 765 F.3d 373, 388 (3d Cir. 2014)

(“[O]nce the officers had secured the premises and apprehended Mallory, the

exigencies of the moment abated and the warrant requirement reattached.”).

Spoljaric responds exigent circumstances existed from the “risk of danger to

the police or others.” (Doc. 18, #144–45). He points to circumstances where the Sixth

Circuit has blessed warrantless entries after “officers observed a man discharge a

firearm on his porch and then run into the house with the gun when he became aware

of the officers’ presence.” (Id. at #145 (quoting Modrell v. Hayden, 636 F.Supp.2d 545,

553 (W.D. Ky. 2009)13).

Spoljaric’s problem, though, is that these cases concerned an officer’s efforts to

apprehend that suspect. See Johnson, 106 F. App’x at 367 (“[T]his case involves the

seizure of evidence found during a search for an armed suspect in the home into which

he had fled after committing a crime.”). When Spoljaric re-entered Freeman’s home,

it contained no suspect. Spoljaric already had arrested Freeman. So Spoljaric needed

a warrant (or a new exigency) to cross the “firm line at the entry to [Freeman’s]

house.” Yoon, 398 F.3d at 808 (Kennedy, J., concurring).

13 Modrell v. Hayden is in turn referencing the Sixth Circuit case United States v. Johnson,

106 F. App’x 363 (6th Cir. 2004).

Also of note, Spoljaric has not defended his warrantless re-entry as necessary

to preserve evidence. And even if he had, such an argument lacks support at this

time. Nothing in the Amended Complaint or video supports any notion an accomplice

planned to remove evidence. See Hill, 2023 WL 152474, at *2 (recognizing this

exigency requires a “show[ing] that the officers had ‘a reasonable belief that third

parties [were] inside’ and that ‘loss or destruction of evidence [was] imminent.’”)

(quoting United States v. Straughter, 950 F.2d 1223, 1230 (6th Cir. 1991))).

In sum, even though Spoljaric’s first entry lawfully occurred pursuant to an

exigent circumstance, his re-entry did not. Freeman has plausibly alleged Spoljaric’s

warrantless re-entry into Freeman’s home violated his Fourth Amendment rights.

And of course, the Court need not consider whether this constitutional right was

clearly established because Spoljaric did not assert qualified immunity. Summe, 604

F.3d at 269.

3. Freeman Has Plausibly Alleged A Claim For First Amendment

Retaliation.

Last, Freeman’s First Amendment claim. Although Freeman labels this claim

“chilling of 1st Amendment,” the Court, and Defendants for that matter, view this as

a First Amendment retaliation claim.

Based on the Amended Complaint, Freeman alleges he used his cell phone’s

camera to record Spoljaric. (Doc. 11, #62–63). He began recording after Spoljaric

“refused to take” Freeman’s police report about Sara Woods’s alleged theft. (Id.).

Freeman recorded for about 15 seconds before re-entering his home. (Id. at #63).

Following Freeman’s arrest, Spoljaric allegedly removed and seized Freeman’s cell

phone from his pocket. (Id. at #65). Later on, Spoljaric, describing the events to a

fellow peace officer, explained “[w]ell, then [Freeman] started recording, like he

always does.” (Id.). As of the Amended Complaint’s filing, Freeman alleges he has not

received his cell phone back despite numerous requests. (Id. at #68). Moreover, the

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Officer has since informed Freeman “they are not in

possession of” his cell phone. (Id.). From these allegations, the Court concludes

Freeman has stated a plausible claim for First Amendment retaliation.

“[T]he First Amendment prohibits government officials from subjecting an

individual to retaliatory actions” for engaging in protected activities. Nieves v.

Bartlett, 139 S. Ct. 1715, 1722 (2019) (citing Hartman v. Moore, 547 U.S. 250, 256

(2006)). The claim has three elements:

(1) the plaintiff engaged in protected conduct; (2) an adverse action was

taken against the plaintiff that would deter a person of ordinary

firmness from continuing to engage in that conduct; and (3) there is a

causal connection between elements one and two—that is, the adverse

action was motivated at least in part by the plaintiff’s protected conduct.

Maben v. Thelen, 887 F.3d 252, 264 (6th Cir. 2018) (quoting Thaddeus-X v. Blatter,

175 F.3d 378, 394 (6th Cir. 1999)). “Although the elements of a First Amendment

retaliation claim remain constant, the underlying concepts that they signify will vary

with the setting—whether activity is ‘protected’ or an action is ‘adverse’ will depend

on context.” Thaddeus-X, 175 F.3d at 388

The Court starts in a somewhat difficult position. Although Freeman pleads a

First Amendment retaliation claim in his Amended Complaint (Doc. 11, #71–72), he

failed to rebut Defendants’ arguments against it in their Motion to Dismiss. To

Defendants, that ends matters. (Doc. 28, #211). In support, they cite Aaron v.

Durrani, 1:13-cv-202, 2014 WL 996471, at *5 n.6 (S.D. Ohio Mar. 13, 2014), to

demonstrate Freeman abandoned this claim by not responding. (Doc. 28, #211).

To Defendants’ credit, courts can and often do find parties concede arguments

to which they do not respond. See, e.g., Mekani v. Homecomings Fin., LLC, 752

F.Supp.2d 785, 790 n.2 (E.D. Mich. 2010). This includes a party’s failure to respond

to arguments raised in a motion to dismiss. See Doe v. Bredesen, 507 F.3d 998, 1007–

08 (6th Cir. 2007).

But at the motion to dismiss stage, the “raise or waive” rule is no inexorable

diktat.14 See Welsh v. Grandville Pub. Schools, No. 1:20-cv-1207, 2022 WL 708692, at

*7 (W.D. Mich. Jan. 28, 2022) (“Because CW does not meaningfully respond to GPS’s

arguments regarding the Monell claim, the Court may deem the claim abandoned.”

(emphasis added)). “Application of this proposition is … tempered by this Court’s

discretion and the maxim that ‘foolish consistency is reputedly the hobgoblin of little

minds.’” Lipton v. County of Orange, 315 F. Supp. 2d 434, 446 (S.D.N.Y. 2004)

(quoting Nat’l Ass’n of Social Workers v. Harwood, 69 F.3d 622, 627–28 (1st Cir.

1995)). So “[w]hile the Court may consider claims waived when not fully briefed for a

motion for judgment on the pleadings, it is not required to do so.” Scruggs v. Meriden

Bd. of Educ., No. 3:03-cv-2224, 2006 WL 2715388, at *3 (D. Conn. Sept. 22, 2006).

14 The Sixth Circuit uses more forceful language at summary judgment. “This Court’s

jurisprudence on abandonment of claims is clear: a plaintiff is deemed to have abandoned a

claim when a plaintiff fails to address it in response to a motion for summary judgment.”

Brown v. VHS of Mich., Inc., 545 F. App’x 368, 372 (6th Cir. 2013); see also Hicks v. Concorde

Career Coll., 449 F. App’x 484, 487 (6th Cir. 2011). This makes sense, as summary judgment

must be supported or defeated based on evidence contained within the factual record. At the

pleadings stage though, the Court must accept as true the allegations in Freeman’s Amended

Complaint and ask whether those allegations state a plausible claim for relief.

Here, the Court declines to find Freeman abandoned his First Amendment

retaliation claim. Where possible, “it is preferable for courts to decide matters on the

merits, rather than on procedural grounds.” Romero v. City of Middletown, No. 1:19-

cv-307, 2021 WL 308149, at *4 (S.D. Ohio Jan. 29, 2021). This is all the more true

when a party, like Freeman, proceeds pro se. After all, the Court applies “less

stringent standards” when assessing a pro se party’s pleadings for relief. See Estelle

v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 106 (1976). So the Court will assume that Freeman has made

sufficient factual allegations to state this claim.

Now to the claim itself. The threshold matter is whether Freeman engaged in

a First Amendment protected activity by recording Spoljaric with his cell phone. The

United States Supreme Court and the Sixth Circuit have yet to hold the public enjoys

a First Amendment right to record police activities in public places. See Palmer v.

Allen, No. 14-cv-12247, 2016 WL 3405872, at *7 (E.D. Mich. June 21, 2016). In fact,

as recently as July 2020, a district court within this Circuit held the right to record

police had not been clearly established here. See Clark v. Stone, 475 F. Supp. 3d 656,

667 (W.D. Ky. 2020).

But other circuits have reached a different result. Seven circuit courts have

held the public has some right to film police. Glik v. Cunniffe, 655 F.3d 78, 82–83 (1st

Cir. 2011); Fields v. City of Philadelphia, 862 F.3d 353, 359 (3d Cir. 2017); Turner v.

Lieutenant Driver, 848 F.3d 678, 690 (5th Cir. 2017); ACLU v. Alvarez, 679 F.3d 583,

595–602 (7th Cir. 2012); Fordyce v. City of Seattle, 55 F.3d 436, 439 (9th Cir. 1995);

Irizarry v. Yehia, 38 F.4th 1282, 1293–94 (10th Cir. 2022); Smith v. City of Cumming,

212 F.3d 1332, 1333 (11th Cir. 2000). To this Court’s knowledge, no circuit has

squarely held otherwise. See Turner, 848 F.3d at 687.

This Court agrees that the First Amendment protects the public’s right to film

police and other government agents subject to reasonable restrictions. The Founders

intended the First Amendment “to protect the free discussion of governmental

affairs.” Ariz. Free Enter. Club’s Freedom Club PAC v. Bennett, 564 U.S. 721, 755

(2011). “Filming the police and other public officials as they perform their official

duties acts as ‘a watchdog of government activity.’” Irizarry, 38 F.4th at 1289 (quoting

Leathers v. Medlock, 499 U.S. 439, 447 (1991)) (“Filming the police is a form of news

gathering.”). And “there is an undoubted right to gather news from any source by

means within the law.” Glik, 655 F.3d at 82 (quoting Houchins v. KQED, Inc., 438

U.S. 1, 11 (1978)). Taken together, the Court concludes the public has a First

Amendment right to photograph and film police activities, “subject to reasonable

time, manner and place restrictions.” Smith, 212 F.3d at 1333.

Applying this principle here, the Court has no trouble concluding Freeman

exercised his First Amendment right by filming Spoljaric on Freeman’s own property.

Indeed, given our Constitution’s special reverence for the home and one’s property,

see, e.g., U.S. Const. amends. IV, V, IVX, the Court struggles to imagine a space more

worthy of such protection. It is axiomatic that if one can film police in a “public” place,

one can film police on his or her own private property.

True, the right to film police undoubtedly has its limits. Reasonable “time,

place, and manner” restrictions certainly apply. See Glik, 655 F.3d at 84. Yet none

plausibly apply here. Freeman filmed Spoljaric on his own property and without

interfering with Spoljaric’s efforts to carry out his duties. Indeed, when Freeman

filmed Spoljaric with his cell phone, Spoljaric had not yet formed probable cause to

arrest him. Based on the allegations to date, Freeman was engaging in First

Amendment protected activity when filming Spoljaric.

That leaves the other two elements—adverse action and causal connection.

Start with the former. The adverse action test takes “into account context and the

individuals whose rights are being retaliated against, but screens out ‘trivial actions’

that are of ‘de minimis’ significance.” Moore v. Shelby County, 369 F. Supp. 3d 802,

807 (E.D. Ky. 2019) (citing Thaddeus-X, 175 F.3d at 398). The effect on the exercise

of speech “need not be great.” Thaddeus-X, 175 F.3d at 398. But “although it is a low

standard, the plaintiff must still establish some relatively strong action.” Perkins v.

Township of Clayton, 411 F. App’x 810, 814 (6th Cir. 2011) (citing Holzemer v. City of

Memphis, 621 F.3d 512, 520 (6th Cir. 2010)). The Court must consider the firmness

of an ordinary person, not whether this plaintiff himself or herself was “chilled.”

Holzemer, 621 F.3d at 520.

Here, Freeman has plausibly alleged Spoljaric took an adverse action sufficient

to deter someone of ordinary firmness. Taking his phone was fine here; after all,

Spoljaric was arresting Freeman. See Chimel v. California, 395 U.S. 752, 762–63

(1969). But improperly keeping, losing, or destroying the filming device used to record

a government official is an adverse action sufficient to chill the protected activity of

a person of ordinary firmness. Cf. Aguilar v. Moyer, No. 3:21-cv-5952023, 2023 WL

1070593, at *8 (M.D. Pa. Jan. 26, 2023) (“Mr. Moyer’s alleged actions—physically

trying to take Aguilar’s phone from her—would be sufficient to deter a person of

ordinary firmness from exercising her rights.”). The whereabouts of the phone appear

to be a mystery, but for now, the Court finds it at least plausible that Spoljaric

intentionally caused Freeman’s phone not to be returned to him.

Finally, the Court considers whether there is a causal connection between

Freeman’s filming and Spoljaric’s adverse action. “Here the subjective motivation of

[Spoljaric] is at issue.” Thaddeus-X, 175 F.3d at 399. This prong “addresses whether

the defendants’ subjective motivation for taking the adverse action was at least in

part to retaliate against the [plaintiff] for engaging in protected conduct.” Hill v.

Lappin, 630 F.3d 468, 475 (6th Cir. 2010). The Court employs a burden shifting

framework: “Once the plaintiff has met his burden of establishing that his protected

conduct was a motivating factor behind any harm, the burden of production shifts to

the defendant.” Thaddeus-X, 175 F.3d at 399 (citing Mount Healthy City Sch. Dist.

Bd. of Educ. v. Doyle, 429 U.S. 274 (1977)).

For purposes of Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss, Freeman “must identify in the

complaint some evidence (either direct or circumstantial) of retaliatory motive.”

White v. Stephens, No. 13-cv-2173, 2015 WL 6038014, at *7 (W.D. Tenn. Aug. 28,

2015). “[C]onclusory allegations of retaliatory motive unsupported by material facts

will not be sufficient to state a ... claim.” Hill, 630 F.3d at 475.

Freeman provided such circumstantial evidence. After Spoljaric re-entered

Freeman’s home, cameras recorded Spoljaric complaining to a fellow peace officer

“[w]ell, then he started recording, like he always does.” (Doc. 11, #65). This statement

provides a plausible inference Spoljaric had become frustrated with Freeman’s habit

of recording. True, this is a slender reed. But it provides enough to plausibly find

Spoljaric disfavored Freeman’s tendency to record and desired to punish him for it.

Spoljaric responds in three ways. First, Spoljaric asks the Court to disregard

Freeman’s allegations involving his cell phone because of inconsistencies between his

Complaints. (Doc. 18, #138–40). Freeman’s original Complaint alleged Spoljaric took

the phone from a counter, while his Amended Complaint alleges Spoljaric took the

phone from Freeman’s person. Second, Spoljaric argues that Freeman had no right to

record police under United States Supreme Court and Sixth Circuit precedent. (Id. at

#153). Third, Spoljaric claims Freeman’s own hypothetical fear of future retaliation

does not support his claim. (Id. at #153–54). All three are unpersuasive.

First, the Court is unconcerned by any inconsistency about the location of

Freeman’s phone when Spoljaric seized it. The phone’s location when taken does not

alter Freeman’s core allegation—he never got his phone back. As a result, Spoljaric’s

out-of-circuit cases that cast doubt on “inconsistent” allegations are unpersuasive.

(Id. at #138–39). Any inconsistency between the Complaint and the Amended

Complaint on this point is at most de minimis. See Golden v. Mgmt. & Training Corp.,

319 F. Supp. 3d 358, 372 (D.D.C. 2018) (recognizing “reconcilable small variations

between the complaints are acceptable”). And anyway, Freeman’s Amended

Complaint superseded his original Complaint. Parry v. Mohawk Motors of Mich. Inc.,

236 F.3d 299, 306–07 (6th Cir. 2000). Thus, Freeman is not bound by allegations in

his original Complaint after amending the same. See Kimber Baldwin Designs, LLC

v. Silv Commc’ns, Inc., 225 F. Supp. 3d 670, 677 (S.D. Ohio 2016) (“Because the

complaint was amended, Plaintiff is not bound by the original allegations.”).

Second, the Court has already addressed Spoljaric’s argument that the Sixth

Circuit has yet to recognize the right to film police. For the reasons discussed, the

Court holds Freeman had a First Amendment right to film Spoljaric.

Third, the Court agrees that Freeman’s personal fear of further retribution

does not support his First Amendment retaliation claim. As discussed, the test

considers the firmness of an ordinary person, not Freeman himself. Holzemer, 621

F.3d at 520. But Freeman has alleged a sufficient adverse action—the disappearance

of his recording device. And there, the Court holds the unlawful keeping, loss, or

destruction of personal property used to record government agents could plausibly

deter a person of ordinary firmness.15

Finally, the Court again notes that Spoljaric has not invoked qualified

immunity as to Freeman’s First Amendment retaliation claim. The Court need not

consider that defense. See Summe, 604 F.3d at 269.

15 Some may find it anomalous that Freeman lacks a due process property deprivation claim

because he has not alleged the inadequacy of state procedures, yet he has adequately pled a

First Amendment retaliation claim for the same deprivation without a similar showing. Yet

Freeman’s First Amendment claim is about more than a lost phone. To illustrate, even if

Spoljaric compensated Freeman with his phone’s market value, Freeman may have

permanently lost his recording. And anyway, it is the act of recording itself the First

Amendment protects, so monetary compensation for the phone cannot fully account for this

constitutional violation.

D. Freeman Must Show Cause Regarding His Failure To Respond To

Defendants’ Requests For Admissions.

On February 7, 2023, Defendants informed the Court that Freeman has not

responded to their Requests for Admissions under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure

36(a)(1). (Doc. 29, #217). Defendants claim to have served Freeman a first set of

Requests for Admissions on June 28, 2022, and to have sent a “follow-up” on August

11, 2022. (Id.). Then, Defendants claim to have sent Freeman a second set of Requests

for Admissions on January 5, 2023. (Id.). Defendants claim Freeman has never

responded to either. (Id.). Defendants then moved the Court to deem these two sets

of requests as fully admitted under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 36. (Id. at #218).

To date, Freeman has not responded to Defendants’ motion under Rule 36.

Accordingly, the Court ORDERS Freeman SHOW CAUSE in writing no later than

April 28, 2023, why in light of his failure to respond to Defendants’ Requests for

Admissions the Court should not deem both sets of Requests for Admissions as fully

admitted for purposes of this litigation. Alternatively, Freeman may respond to both

of Defendants’ Requests for Admissions and notify the Court he has done so no later

than April 28, 2023.

CONCLUSION

For the above reasons, the Court GRANTS IN PART AND DENIES IN

PART Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss (Doc. 18). Specifically, the Court GRANTS

Defendants’ Motion as to Freeman’s due process property deprivation and medical

care claims against Spoljaric in his individual capacity, all claims against Spoljaric

in his official capacity, and all claims against Lawrence County. The Court

DISMISSES those claims WITHOUT PREJUDICE and DISMISSES Lawrence

County from this case. However, the Court DENIES Defendants’ Motion as to

Freeman’s excessive use of force, unreasonable search, and First Amendment

retaliation claims as against Spoljaric in his individual capacity. Those claims may

proceed.

Further, the Court ORDERS Freeman to SHOW CAUSE in writing no later

than April 28, 2023, why, given his failure to respond to Defendants’ Requests for

Admissions, the Court should not deem both sets of Requests for Admissions fully

admitted for purposes of this litigation. Alternatively, Freeman may respond to both

of Defendants’ Requests for Admissions and notify the Court he has done so no later

than April 28, 2023. In either event, the Court hereby NOTIFIES Freeman that if

he continues to fail to respond to Defendants’ discovery requests in this matter, the

Court may impose sanctions up to and including dismissing his case with prejudice.

SO ORDERED.

March 31, 2023 :

DATE DOUGLAS R. COLE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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