Gonzales v. HERRIS

We granted certiorari to review a two to one decision of the court of appeals in Gonzales v. Harris, 34 Colo. App. 282, 528 P.2d 259 (1974), affirming the trial court’s judgment for defendants Harris and Easterday. We reverse and remand with directions to grant a new trial.

This case involves an action for false imprisonment and slander brought by plaintiff Gonzales because of defendants’ accusations and detention and investigation of Gonzales for what turned out to be an unconfirmed suspicion of shoplifting.

In November 1971 Gonzales was a customer in Easterday’s drug store wherein he…