Vermont Motorist Sues State Trooper Over Alleged Retaliatory Traffic Stop

VERMONT — Gregory Bombard, a motorist in Vermont, has filed a lawsuit against State Trooper Jay Riggen, accusing him of unconstitutional and retaliatory false arrest during a traffic stop on February 9, 2018. The lawsuit, initiated in February, claims unreasonable seizure, false arrest, and retaliation against constitutionally protected speech, seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

Bombard, expressing his respect for law enforcement, emphasized the importance of officers respecting the Constitution. He stated, “Those who betray their oath have to be held accountable.” The lawsuit comes after the release of police body camera footage, which Bombard’s attorney, Jay Diaz, argues shows the stop was unconstitutional.

Diaz, a senior attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression working alongside the ACLU, criticized the trooper’s actions. He commented, “Police are charged with protecting the public, not their own bruised egos,” suggesting that the footage indicated the officer’s motive was not concerned with Bombard’s safety but rather with punishing him for his perceived disrespect.