AMICUS AI
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Docket Number
Attorney(S)
Judges
Are you a practicing lawyer?
Enhance your digital presence and reach by creating a Casemine profile.
Upload pleading to use the new AI search
Cites
Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Docket Number
Attorney(S)
Judges

WALTER WATKINS, PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT, v. SEARS ROEBUCK COMPANY, DEFENDANT-RESPONDENT.

The action was properly dismissed upon plaintiff's trial testimony that his leg was broken when he was tackled from behind, without warning, by a security guard employed by defendant retail store, after he exited the store at a rapid pace with a stolen "boom box" knowing that he might be stopped or chased. Nothing in plaintiff's testimony indicates that he would have heeded a warning to stop, and the guard's use of force admittedly stopped once plaintiff hit the ground (compare, Taggart v. Alexander's, Inc., 90 A.D.2d 542). Given these circumstances, the non-deadly force used by the guard in apprehending a fleeing shoplifter was reasonable as a matter of law (see, General Business Law § 218;cf., Penal Law § 35.30; see, Sindle v. New York City Tr. Auth., 33 N.Y.2d 293, 296-297; cf., e.g., Brown v. State of New York, 250 A.D.2d 796). We have considered plaintiff's other arguments and find them unavailing.

THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION, FIRST DEPARTMENT.

Use AI to get other relevant cases.

Comments

WATKINS v. SEARS ROEBUCK CO
(Dec 11, 2001)