Blind Veteran's Arrest: What Happened After The Lawsuit?
Can a simple walking cane spark a legal battle? Absolutely, it can, especially when mistaken for a deadly weapon, leading to an unjust arrest and a subsequent lawsuit alleging civil rights violations. The case of James Hodges, a legally blind veteran, highlights the potential for misjudgment and the fight for accountability when law enforcement actions cross the line.
The incident unfolded on October 31, 2022, in Columbia County, Florida. James Hodges, a 61-year-old legally blind resident of Lake City, was walking home after being dismissed from jury duty. Deputy Jayme Gohde stopped Hodges, expressing concern that he was carrying a weapon. According to reports, the deputy mistook Hodges' folded walking cane, which he carried in his back pocket, for a silver pistol with a white grip. Despite Hodges' explanation that it was a navigational aid and demonstration that it was indeed a cane, he was detained, searched, and arrested by Gohde and Sergeant Randall Harrison.
| Name | James Hodges |
| Age | 61 years old (at the time of the incident) |
| Residence | Lake City, Florida |
| Occupation | Navy Veteran |
| Disability | Legally Blind since 1995 (due to a random act of violence) |
| Incident Date | October 31, 2022 |
| Location of Incident | Columbia County, Florida |
| Arresting Officers | Deputy Jayme Gohde, Sergeant Randall Harrison |
| Charges | Resisting an Officer (charges were later dropped) |
| Lawsuit Filed | November 20, 2023 |
| Cause of Lawsuit | Violation of First and Fourth Amendment rights, among other charges |
| Lawsuit Dismissal Date | August 26, 2024 |
| Sheriff Involved | Mark Hunter (Columbia County Sheriff) |
| Sheriff's Actions | Suspended Deputy Gohde, Demoted and suspended Sergeant Harrison |
| Legal Representation | Attorney (contacted by LEO Ratings on November 4, 2024) |
| Source of Information | FindLaw |
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