EDWARDSVILLE — An Illinois woman is suing Cahokia, alleging the municipality violated her civil rights when it arrested her and towed her car.
Janice Tumbs filed a class action lawsuit, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated June 3, in the Madison County Circuit Court against the village of Cahokia alleging failure to implement a due process of law.
According to the complaint, on March 19, Tumbs was cited and arrested by a Cahokia police officer for violation of the Illinois Compiled Statutes. The suit says her vehicle was also towed pursuant to defendant's ordinance.
The plaintiff alleges the village deprived her of her right to life, liberty or property, and required her to pay the tow release fee of either $300 or $150. The suit says there was no reason for Tumbs to pay either fee to cover the expenses of a police officer awaiting the arrival of the tow truck.
Tumbs seeks a trial by jury, a return of all monies received by defendant, legal costs, and all other relief to which she is entitled. She is represented by attorney Brian L. Polinske of Polinske & Associates PC in Edwardsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-290