Dr. Jameela Yasmeen Arshad, 51

Kenner, Louisiana
January 10, 2005

Agencies: Kenner Police Department Louisiana

Cause of death: Beating

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Last updated: almost 4 years ago

Overview

The family of a physician who died in Kenner police custody has lost another round in court in their effort to sue the Police Department for damages.

Dr. Jameela Arshad was driving near Williams Boulevard and West Esplanade Avenue on Jan. 10, 2005, when she stopped to check on a young bicyclist who had been hit by a vehicle. Police arrived and asked for her credentials, but she said she didn't have them with her. They ordered her to step back.

A struggle ensued, and police handcuffed Arshad and put her in a patrol car. Within 10 minutes, her heart stopped.

Arshad's relatives alleged false arrest, excessive force and deliberate indifference in a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. In 2007, Judge Jay Zainey, who was nominated to the bench by President George W. Bush, ruled against them.

The doctor's relatives took the case to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. On Monday, a 5th Circuit panel of judges Eugene Davis, Harold DeMoss Jr. and Grady Jolly also ruled against them.

"(I)n light of the chaos of the scene and Dr. Arshad's refusal to present identification, a reasonable officer could have concluded that probable cause existed to arrest her," said the ruling, written by Davis. The judges also dismissed the excessive force and deliberate indifference arguments.

Davis and Jolly were nominated for the 5th Circuit by President Reagan, DeMoss by President George H.W. Bush.

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