Resident publicly alleges improper detention by off-duty Lake Jackson officer, says he has served notice of intent to sue

A Lake Jackson resident told City Council he has delivered a letter of intent to sue the city after an encounter two weeks earlier in which he said an off-duty Lake Jackson sergeant, working security at a mall, detained him without lawful cause.

"I was detained first of all by an off duty police officer working security at the mall for honking a horn," said William Earsen during the council—s visitors comments. "I was detained for failing to I.D. I don't have to I.D. I'm not suspected of committing a crime. I didn't commit a crime." Earsen said the officer called a supervisor who then called additional officers, and that the responding officers told him he was detained and later cited for disorderly conduct and threatened with criminal trespass.

Earsen said he recorded portions of the encounter on video and alleged the officers acted improperly. "That takes away qualified immunity for your police department," he told council. He said he served the city manager and chief of police with the letter and provided his phone number and email in the packet he handed to council.

Council members did not take action during the visitors comment period; the mayor reiterated that items raised in visitors comments may be placed on a future agenda for council consideration. No city response or staff report was provided during the meeting about Mr. Earsen's complaint.

Because the matter involves a pending or potential legal claim and the resident said he has provided written notice to city officials, council members and staff may address the complaint in a future agenda item or in follow-up with the city attorney or police leadership, according to standard municipal practice.

The council meeting record indicates Mr. Earsen handed copies of the letter to the mayor, council members, the city manager and the police chief; he referenced video of the incident and described concerns about an off-duty officer following his vehicle and later detaining him under several different alleged charges that he said the officers could not substantiate.