Dalhart Police, City hit with $1.8 million claim
The City of Dalhart and Dalhart Police Department are facing a $1.8 million claim for unlawful arrest, imprisonment, search and seizure, and related actions following a July 10 incident involving two police officers and a Dallam County deputy.
Andrew Spignor, an insurance agent and consultant from Sun City, AZ, was visiting his fatherin- law and sister-in-law, who have asked to not be named, with his wife, Arelys, and young son. The three had been staying in Dalhart off and on for about two months, Andrew said. His sisterin- law had also just had a female friend staying with her, but kicked her out for unacceptable behavior a few days earlier, according to the Spignors.
On the evening of July 10, Andrew and Arelys were sitting outside the family apartment on Maynard Avenue when the former friend (whom we have chosen not to name) appeared and demanded entrance so that she could retrieve items that she had left behind. When the Spignors refused, as previously requested by Andrew’s sister-inlaw, whose name is on the apartment lease, she threatened to call the police. They encouraged her to do so, stating that the police would not assist in a civil matter.
She left, then returned with two female Dalhart Patrol Officers who, again, shall remain unnamed. According to a video recording of the incident, after hearing the situation, the first officer appeared ready to leave. Her partner, however, stated that the former visitor had squatter’s rights and could, therefore, enter the residence however she chose. The officer then pointed to a tire iron that was laying on the porch and told the “friend” that she could even pick it up and smash a window with it to gain entrance if she wanted to.
When the former friend did pick up the tire iron and advance toward the window, Andrew Spignor moved to block the pane of glass, saying that he had a right to protect the home. At that point, the second officer arrested him. She called for backup, which brought a Dallam County Deputy to the scene. Spignor was handcuffed behind his back and forced into the backseat of the patrol car after.
The three officers then entered the residence without consent and against the protests of Arelys, escorting the “friend” and “looking around at everything,” Arelys said.
Andrew Spignor said that he spent approximately 19 hours in jail, was subjected to a strip search and was forced to sleep on the floor. His previously injured wrist, which had been surgically repaired, was reinjured during the arrest and has been chronically swollen for the month since it happened.
The Dallam County Attorney’s Office has “rejected the charges in the case…due to no charges being filed,” per an email sent to Andrew.
He is seeking $1.873 million in total damages and a public apology from the City of Dalhart, the Dalhart Police Department and the Dallam County Sheriff’s Department for the unlawful arrest and imprisonment.
“I’m willing to negotiate,” he said. “I don’t want to bankrupt the City. Everyone here, for the most part, has been very nice, from the grocery store to the County Clerk. But this was wrong.”
The Dalhart Police Department had no comment. City officials did not respond to requests for comment or additional information.
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