Perrysburg woman sues Bowling Green officer over arrest

10/12/2007

A Perrysburg woman who claims she was roughed up during what she said was an unwarranted arrest last year filed a federal lawsuit yesterday against the Bowling Green police officer involved.

Rose Toth sued Officer Jason Broshius in U.S. District Court in Toledo, claiming a violation of her civil rights, false arrest, and assault and battery. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Alan Konop, asks for $250,000 in compensatory damages and recovery of at least $10,000 in attorney fees.

According to the suit, Ms. Toth, 33, was at the Downtown Sports Bar in Bowling Green on Oct. 14, 2006, when she got into a disagreement with the bouncer. After she left the bar, the bouncer called police and accused Ms. Toth of stealing his cell phone, although the accusation turned out to be a mistake, the suit said.

Officer Broshius arrested Ms. Toth shortly after by violently spinning her around, forcing her to the ground, and handcuffing her, the suit said. He also subjected her to demeaning comments, the lawsuit said.

Ms. Toth was arrested for criminal trespass, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business. The case has not been assigned to a judge.