By John Saccenti, Staff Writer
PLAINSBORO — Plainsboro Township has settled a lawsuit with a man who claimed to have been wrongfully arrested in January.
According to a release settlement agreement dated Jan. 21, Vincent Capriotti gave up any and all claims and rights against Plainsboro Township for $12,500. The settlement released all claims resulting from an incident that occurred April 5, 2009.
In his suit, filed against Plainsboro Township, its Police Department, police Chief Richard Furda and Officer Jason Mariano, Mr. Capriotti stated he was stopped on Route 1 while police were conducting “selective enforcement for moving violations.”
During the stop, Mr. Capriotti provided police with valid registration and a lapsed insurance card, but told police he did not have a driver’s license because his wallet had been stolen. However, he offered to provide the driver’s license number.
According to the suit, Mr. Capriotti then was asked to exit his vehicle while the “defendant unlawfully requested to search the plaintiff’s vehicle for his driver’s license and insurance card.”
According to the lawsuit, Mr. Capriotti refused without first speaking to the police officer’s supervisor. Then “without probable cause to make an arrest, defendant exhibited willful misconduct by placing plaintiff under arrest for allegedly obstructing the administration of law and governmental function. Plaintiff was handcuffed and transported to the township police station where he was held for four hours before being released on his own recognizance,” according to the lawsuit.
Mr. Capriotti’s attorney, Richard Silverman, declined to comment on the lawsuit or the settlement.
jsaccenti@centraljersey.com.
