Watson

STATEMENT OF FACTS

I.

WATSON’S CITIZENS COMPLAINT AND CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY

In February 2023, Watson filed a citizens complaint with the Santa Ana police department. According to the complaint, Watson was detained by police officers after a traffic stop on January 25, 2023. He ultimately was issued a citation. Watson was required to present a claim to the City by July 25, 2023, within six months of the incident. (§ 911.2.) On September 11, 2023, Watson submitted a claim against the City and an application for permission to file a late claim. In his claim, Watson noted he was stopped for an alleged traffic violation without cause and was illegally searched and detained. In the application, Watson explained the reasons for his delay in presenting a claim. Among other things, he stated: “I was advised to wait until after the [criminal] matter was to be litigated to strengthen my lawsuit.” He also noted he was out of state in July 2023 due to a family emergency. Watson further explained he submitted a citizens complaint to the Santa Ana police department and was told that someone would contact him, but no one ever did. The City denied Watson’s application for leave to file a late…