A white man was accosted and handcuffed by Austin police for walking home with his black 5-year-old Granddaughter. The Texas man, Scott Henson, left a roller skating rink with his granddaughter Ty and headed home on foot when he was stopped by a deputy constable who informed him that there were reports of a white male kidnapping a young black female. The officer then asked Henson to step away from the child and questioned the girl, who responded “He’s my Grandpa”. Appearing satisfied, the officer released Henson who continued on his way.

A short while later they were stopped again, this time by five police cruisers flashing their lights.  The officers got out of their vehicles yielding tasers and again told Henson to step away from the child. When he complied Mr. Henson was handcuffed. He then provided the necessary phone numbers to verify that Ty was indeed his granddaughter. The young girl was visibly distraught by the incident.

Mr. Henson made the following statement regarding the false arrest:  "I hated for a five-year-old to be subjected to such an experience,” and. “I'd like her to view police as people she can trust instead of threats to her and her family, but it's possible I live in the wrong neighborhood for that."

If you have been involved in an incident like this, you should immediately seek advice from a personal injury lawyer that is experienced in handling police brutality/false arrest cases. For a free consultation with such an attorney, complete the form to the left or call 212-566-1000. Based in New York City, Sullivan & Brill, LLP represents clients throughout the United States, as well as in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County and other upstate New York counties.