By Alicia B. Hill

LaGRANGE –A man who says he was unlawfully arrested by LaGrange police intends to sue the city over the matter, officials said Tuesday.

The Hornsby Law Firm of Atlanta served an ante litem notice – a notice notifying a government entity of intent to sue – to the city of LaGrange, the LaGrange Police Department, the LaGrange city manager and the LaGrange City Council on behalf of Robert Herndon, Jr. who alleges that officers from the police department illegally, discriminatorily, and without just cause, detained, threatened with weapon, and unlawfully arrested Herndon.

The incident in question took place on May 18 at Hope Academy when Herndon was allegedly called to pick up his son from the school.  Involved parties are currently compiling the information needed for a possible law suit, city officials said.

“We are in the process of gathering the information and reports, and we’ll be turning that in to the city attorney,” said LaGrange Public Safety Chief Louis Dekmar.

The city plans to deny the claim and turn the claim of damages over to its insurance agent, which is their standard procedure for ante litem notices.

“The allegation is that the police department violated his rights,” said Mayor Jim Thornton. “… We’ll deny and turn over to the insurance company as is the standard practice.”

Herndon and his lawyers could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Reach Alicia B. Hill at alicia.hill@lagrangenews.com or at 706-884-7311, Ext. 2154.