“Helping Shouldn’t Be A Crime”: Black Man Sues Police For Wrongful Detention

A Des Moines man has filed a lawsuit against local police after being handcuffed while he attempted to assist a homeless individual facing arrest. Eddy Kirby, aged 45, initiated a federal lawsuit against two officers, alleging civil rights violations during an incident in August 2023, as reported by Atlanta Black Star. The situation escalated when Kirby saw Officers Michael Hoopes and Bryan Loftus threatening to apprehend a man accused of shoplifting; recognizing the individual, he offered to pay for the stolen goods. Instead of accepting his gesture, the officers restrained Kirby, claiming he was interfering. The lawsuit asserts that the officers unlawfully detained him without probable cause. Kirby simply inquired, “How much does it cost?” but was met with commands to leave. He insisted on his right to stay, emerging from his vehicle with his hands raised. Both Kirby and the homeless man were released without charges. The city is also implicated in the lawsuit, which seeks punitive damages for humiliation and emotional distress.