Man Alleges He Was “Unlawfully Arrested” in Narragansett in New Federal Lawsuit

Man Alleges He Was “Unlawfully Arrested” in Narragansett in New Federal Lawsuit

A man is alleging that he was “unlawfully arrested” by Narragansett police last year - and has sued the town along with individual employees in federal court.

In a seven-page complaint filed this week in U.S. District Court, Maryland resident Greg Deluca said he was driving on Point Judith Road on July 1, 2024, when he was pulled over by a police officer who told him it was because he was “purportedly speeding and swerving over white fog lines.”

According to Deluca, who is being represented by attorney Edward Formisano, all charges were later dismissed, which included “chemical test refusal,” along with speeding and roadway violations. 

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Now, he is suing the city, claiming he was “unlawfully” and “falsely” arrested - and that his arrest was “malicious prosecution.” 

Deluca is suing the Town of Narragansett, finance director Christine Wilson and police officers Shawn Coutu and Andrew Manicini. 

 

About Case

In the lawsuit, Deluca recounts his version of his arrest - and subsequent actions.

“Once stopped, Defendant Coutu approached the Plantiff’s vehicle and informed him that he pulled him over because he was purportedly speeding and swerving over the white fog lines in the center of the road,” according to the lawsuit. “Defendant Couto then asked Plaintiff if he had been drinking. The Plaintiff responded that he did not have anything to drink but consumed a considerable amount of food out at dinner.“

According to Deluca, another officer - Mancini - then showed up at the scene; Deluca said he was then asked to exit his vehicle. 

Deluca said once he stepped out of his vehicle that Coutu administered three sobriety tests.

“While Plaintiff did not clearly fail any of the test, Defendant Coutu indicated to the Plaintiff that he was showing signs of impairment and asked him to turn around and place his hands behing his back,” according to the lawsuit. 

Deluca was then arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and charged with speeding 11+ mph and lane roadway violations.” 

At a hearing in District Court in August 2024,  however, Judge Patrick O’Neill determined “Coutu and Mancini insufficiently performed their duties as police officers and also their recollection of the stop of the Plaintiff was questionable at best,” according the lawsuit which added that O’Neill found the officers’ action ordering Deluca out of his vehicle was in violation of state law. 

Later that week, the charges against Deluca were dropped - and now he is suing on the defendants on five counts.

They are unlawful arrest; illegal search and seizure; negligence, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. 

Deluca is seeking compensatory and punitive damage awards.