Speakers allege misconduct by Richmond Heights police and describe municipal court impacts

During the council’s non-agenda public forum on May 20, Garrett Meece and Dora Owens made allegations about treatment by Richmond Heights police and municipal processes and described personal consequences.

Garrett Meece said he was unlawfully detained and retaliated against by the Richmond Heights Police Department after an incident at the Galleria Mall. Meece said he was told by attorneys that he “for certain, have a case against the Richmond Heights Police Department and possibly even the Galleria Mall,” and that he is preparing a lawsuit and contacting media to “bring light to the flagrant violations of civil rights.”

Meece described being restrained by another person, alleging security did not protect him, and said a police chief’s internal exoneration of officers showed a “systemic conditioning” that allows violations with impunity. “I am drafting a lawsuit myself and reaching out to the media to bring light to the flagrant violations of civil rights by the Richmond Heights police department,” he said.

Dora Owens, also speaking in the forum, described a long personal history she said led to a municipal ban from Richmond Heights in 2011 that she said prevented her from finding her daughter. Owens asked the council to investigate and to honor a written account she said is on file.

These remarks were delivered as citizen comment. The council did not take or announce any investigatory action or motion in response during the meeting.

This article reports allegations as stated by the speakers; it does not assert that the allegations are proven.