Native American Family Claims Officers Biased Lawsuit Stems From Fight During August 1993 Traffic Stop

A Native American family that claims mistreatment and abuse by police filed a lawsuit against the Post Falls Police Department and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department.

Six members of the Wohali family claim the officers discriminated against them because of their race and violated their civil rights.

They are also suing former Post Falls officer Daniel Finn. It’s the second time this summer he’s been accused of using excessive force.

The Wohali suit stems from the August 1993 arrests of Amos Eagle Wohali during two traffic stops.

Finn pulled over one of the Wohali family members because the car didn’t have a license plate. According to police, the incident escalated when Amos Wohali showed up to help his brother.

Wohali refused to leave when officers asked him to, according to police reports.

Other members of the Wohali family arrived at the scene and began yelling at the officers.

A fight ensued between Amos Wohali and police officers and sheriff’s deputies at the scene. Officer Mark Anderson reported that Wohali struck him in the eye.

But the Wohali family said the officers used vulgar language and racial slurs.

Sam Wohali, Amos’ father, claimed they assaulted one of his daughters.

Amos Wohali was arrested for obstructing a police officer and was arrested again within 24 hours for a similar incident.

Finn was sued in July for allegedly repeatedly hitting a suspect in the legs with a baton.

, DataTimes