Children v. Burton

UHLENHOPP, Justice.

In this appeal we review a judgment for $1,250,000 awarded to plaintiff Peter Children in a false arrest action against two Charles City police officers — Victor Dunn and James R. Burton — and their employer, the City of Charles City. The officers and city appeal the trial court’s overruling their motions for directed verdict, judgment notwithstanding verdict, and new trial.

Both sides presented evidence of the background of the arrest. In late 1978 and early 1979 a rash of indecent exposure incidents were reported in various Charles City and Mason City stores. They involved…