The California State University system has settled a civil lawsuit brought by a Fieldbrook man who alleged he was the victim of a “brutal” assault by Humboldt State University police in January 2012, agreeing to pay the man $135,000.
CSU spokesman Mike Uhlenkamp said the payment will come out of HSU coffers, noting that the settlement does not include any admission of wrongdoing.
Casey Arndt, 33, filed the federal lawsuit last year alleging that Humboldt State University Police officer Delmar Tompkins and other officers assaulted him — causing injuries to his face, back, legs, arms, feet and hands —on Jan. 7, 2012. Arndt alleged that he was driving near the HSU campus when Tompkins began following him in his patrol car. In the suit, Arndt claims he pulled over to make a phone call, at which point Tompkins pulled up behind him, activated his overhead lights, exited his patrol car and pulled his firearm, keeping it trained on Arndt’s head.
The complaint alleged that Arndt exited the vehicle and was being handcuffed by another officer when Tompkins “ran up and maliciously” kneed him in the left eye. Arndt further alleged that he was then beaten by numerous officers and Tasered twice before losing consciousness. According to the complaint, Arndt asked Tompkins why he was being detained and the officer told him it was because his registration had expired.
“When Mr. Arndt began to explain that his registration was paid and that he needed medical attention, officer Tompkins ordered him to shut up, stating that he was ‘running this goddamn rodeo,’” reads the complaint filed by Arndt’s attorney, Patrik Griego.
Arndt was booked into the Humboldt County jail on suspicion of resisting arrest but no charges were ever filed against him.
In addition to Tompkins, Arndt’s suit named the city of Arcata, UPD Chief Lynne Soderberg and several other officers as defendants, alleging that Arcata Police officers participated in the arrest and that UPD officials were negligent in hiring and training Tompkins. With the settlement approved by the CSU system, the case was dismissed against all other defendants, according to court records.
Reached Tuesday, Soderberg said she was not involved in the settlement discussions and largely declined to comment on the outcome, other than to say the settlement represents the end of a two-year process, and “it’s good it’s over with.” Sodberberg said UPD conducted an internal investigation into Arndt’s arrest and subsequent allegations but declined to say if that investigation led to any disciplinary action, noting that information would be in officers’ confidential personnel files. Tompkins, Soderberg said, is still employed with UPD and has seen no changes to his duties or assignments.
The settlement represents the second time in five years that allegations against Tompkins have resulted in a payout.
In 2009 while Tompkins was with the Oakland Police Department, Jimmy Williams, 50, alleged that he used pepper spray and a baton on him “without any just provocation or cause” while arresting him in a Taco Bell parking lot on suspicion of resisting arrest. Williams, who was never charged in the case, sued the city of Oakland for $500,000 in damages. Attorneys representing the city argued Williams was noncompliant and combative but ultimately settled the case out of court, paying Williams $43,000 from the city’s general fund.
Calls placed to HSU’s spokesmen were not immediately returned. The Journal will update this post with additional information as it comes in.
In January, HSU International posted a video to Youtube in which Tompkins briefs viewers on how the university is working to “keep you safe during your time on campus.”
This article appears in Renewal.
he should be fired…..someone with a short fuse and someone who oversteps his authority should not be a police officer. but as we have seen especially in our area that is not the case, and they wonder why we don’t trust them.
And then HSU used the SAME GUY in a “safety video”? That’s not really the Humboldt I know. What happened to living a new lifestyle? That’s why people go to that school in the first place – so you don’t have to worry about jerk police officers ruining your life (or face) on the campus you attend.
Trust is earned not given, and the way that police officers in general and the ones mentioned in this case in particular circle the wagons and keep offending officers on the job inspires little confidence in their ability.
I am an HSU alumni and used to work for HSU housing for two years as a resident adviser in the dorms. Just my own opinion and experience, but I personally have worked with Officer Tompkins and he is one of the best cops I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is smart, kind, and gentle. Officer Tompkins was a great asset to the community, in my opinion. This is very sad. I urge all of you reading this and posting nasty comments to think for a moment, that not all you read and/or not all that is alleged is true. The article is well-written and researched, but please be aware that not all allegations are true. I am not saying that I know the exact truth of what happened. I would say that no one does, except for those who were present. However, I think it is wise to understand that not all allegations hold absolute truth. Be careful who you call scum, when you don’t know the whole story. Officer Tompkins is a good man, and a good cop.
I would be careful in jumping to any conclusions regarding this case and officer. It is easy (and lazy) to try to confirm any bias we already have against this type of authority. Of course police brutality exists, but unruly and aggresive citizens exist also. The people that police have to deal with on a daily basis are the same people that we cross the street to avoid. Not saying that the accuser is this in this case, but it is always worth noting that there are two sides to every story, and both sides are generally extreme due to our biased emotions and opinions.
With all of that said, I personally know this officer, and he is one of the kindest people I have ever met. I don’t doubt that he uses force from time to time to deal with people, but I cannot fathom it ever being unnecessary or extreme.
Ive known tompkins for several years, and am very leery of such allegations. There is obviously more to the story..
Yes you may know him and may conclude he couldn’t and wouldn’t do what is alleged but look at the past as it seems to follow him. Cops have protocols to follow and those who act above the law just shouldn’t be cops.
My other point is if he is so innocent why not release the dash cam video to vindicate him???
a public record request was made and denied. The dash cam video was the whole case and had him caught in the act. So for all you people who just can’t believe it …think again.
Had a run in with Mr delmar Tompkins… I would not classify him as a police officer or anything lawenforsmentish!! Hahaha just a small ass creepy thug!!!! So mr. Delmar Tompkins where is my Dv-200 you SLIMBALL