National Civil Rights Firm Holding Press Conference on February 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Regarding Unlawful Search and Seizure Claim Against San Bernardino Police Department

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McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC

Feb 07, 2023, 13:42 ET

Business owner Micaiah Barber claims he was handcuffed while his vehicle was searched and towed with no explanation

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC, (MLG) – a nationwide law firm handling Racial & Economic Justice matters, consumer Class Actions, and consumer Financial Services matters – is bringing a claim against the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) on behalf of local business owner Micaiah Barber alleging an SBPD officer unlawfully searched and seized Barber's vehicle and placed Barber in handcuffs in full view of his employees and potential customers. MLG will be holding a press conference on the matter on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. PST. Press may attend in-person at 3281 E. Guasti Road, Suite 100, Ontario, California, or virtually via Zoom.

Micaiah Barber is the well-regarded president of L7 Auto Group in San Bernardino. His business involves vehicle rotation into and out of the lot to keep inventory fresh and encourage continued growth for clients in need of a pre-owned vehicle. During these rotation periods, Barber and his employees must temporarily park their inventory and personal vehicles along the street to accommodate. However, on the morning of January 31, 2023, the claim alleges an SBPD officer saw an employee removing one of the dealer license plates from a rotated vehicle parked across from the dealership during rotation. The officer allegedly began inspecting Barber's personal vehicle and notified the employee he would be towing it. Barber states that upon confronting the officer over why his vehicle would be towed, he was told to collect his personal belongings from the vehicle as it was going to be towed, despite Barber's explanation that the parking situation was temporary. The officer allegedly asked to search the vehicle which Barber declined. When Barber returned with a box to collect his belongings from the car and opened the door, the officer allegedly informed him he could not enter the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs in front of his employees and potential customers. While handcuffed, the claim alleges the officer finally requested identification and searched the vehicle. When the tow truck arrived and began towing the vehicle, Barber claims the officer released him. The SBPD allegedly would not release the location of the vehicle to Barber following the incident until an employee called for information in his stead.

The press conference will answer questions regarding the details of the situation and how this matter and those like it violate the civil rights of local residents. Available to speak will be MLG Attorney Joseph L. Richardson and Plaintiff Micaiah Barber. "As a respected San Bernardino resident and business owner, Mr. Barber believes the role of business owners and the local police departments should be collaborative, not combative," remarks Richardson, "He was especially disturbed by the violation of his rights with absolutely no explanation and the seemingly intentionally aggressive manner with which the officer interacted with Mr. Barber and his employee. With bringing this claim, we hope this can be a step towards holding SBPD accountable for their officers' behavior."

About McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC: MLG has a deep history of success for its clients, including a $203 million verdict against Wells Fargo Bank, recovery of over $1 billion for its clients, and over 100 contingency cases with recovery of $1 million or more. MLG maintains California offices in Ontario, San Bernardino, Palm Desert, and Irvine and supports its national practice with offices in Illinois and New Jersey with more offices coming soon. For over 30 years, MLG has successfully represented clients involved in product liability, UDAP, class actions, financial services, and personal injury lawsuits. Visit mccunewright.com for more information.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC