Peterson v. City of Mitchell

Tim Peterson (Peterson) appeals a summary judgment for the City of Mitchell, Douglas Kirkus (Kirkus) and Dennis Kaem-ingk (Kaemingk) in a defamation action stemming from an erroneous press release issued by the Mitchell Police Department. We affirm.

FACTS

In 1989, Peterson was a student at a vocational technical school in Mitchell, South Dakota. He also worked at a local Kmart Store. During the time he resided in Mitchell, Peterson became acquainted with an individual named Mike Stauffacher. At approximately 4:00 p.m. on January 19, 1989, Peterson was arrested by the Mitchell Police Department…