Former Firefighter Can Sue City For False Arrest

CINCINNATI (CN) - Police did not have probable cause to arrest a former firefighter in the shooting death of his former colleague at the fire station, the 6th Circuit ruled.

Evidence and witnesses implicated Justin Parsons, who had been fired from the Pontiac (Mich.) Fire Department and was known to carry a gun.

Parsons also had a list of former co-workers whom he wanted to "punch in the mouth."

The district court had determined that no reasonable juror could find that police lacked probable cause to arrest Parsons.

"There is a vast difference between punching someone out and attempted murder," Judge Gilman wrote.

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