HAYES-MILLER v. SEIDLE et al

Filing 89

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER that Defendant Police Officer Seidle's for summary judgment (ECF No. 57 ) is GRANTED; that Defendant Neptune Township's for summary judgment (ECF No. 55 ) is denied as moot; that this matter is dismissed with prejudice. Signed by Judge Peter G. Sheridan on 11/9/2017. (mmh)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
MARCIA HAYES-MILLER,
Civil Action No.: 15-cv-07640 (PGS)
Plaintiff,
v.

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

POLICE OFFICER PHILIP SEIDLE, et al,.
Defendants.
SHERIDAN, U.S.D.J.
This matter comes before the court on Motions for Summary Judgment filed by Defendant
Police Officer Seidle (ECF No. 57); and Defendant Neptune Township. (ECF No. 55).1
STATEMENT OF FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Plaintiff filed this action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the New Jersey Constitution, and New
Jersey state law. The action arises out of an incident that occurred at Jersey Shore University
Medical Center ("hospital" or "JSUMC") on the evening of March 4, 2015, between Plaintiff
Marcia Hayes-Miller ("Plaintiff"), Jasmine Hayes - Plaintiff’s daughter (“Ms. Heyes”), and Police
Officer Sergeant Philip Seidle ("Sgt. Seidle").
Plaintiff was an employee at the hospital, but at that time she was there visiting her
daughter, Marshaya Scurry, who had been admitted as a patient due to high blood pressure and
blurred vision. (See Deposition of Marcia Hayes-Miller, Def.'s Br. Exhibit B). Plaintiff had just
finished a shift and was still in scrubs when she found out that her daughter was having trouble
seeing. She then picked up her grandson and her other two daughters, including Ms. Hayes, to

1

 Defendant Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s motion for summary judgment (ECF No.
60) was granted on July 31, 2017. [See ECF No. 84].  

1 

return to the hospital to check in on Ms. Scurry. Ms. Hayes, was in her early twenties at the time
of the incident, and Plaintiff in her fifties. Upon arrival at the hospital, the family bypassed the
normal Greeters desk at the Emergency Room ("ER") because the Plaintiff was familiar with the
building. When Ms. Hayes left her sister's treatment room to use the restroom she was spotted by
Sgt. Seidle.
Sgt. Seidle was a law enforcement officer with the Neptune Township Police Department,
was in uniform, and working as an off-duty security detail at the hospital. (See Defendant's
Statement of Undisputed Facts, ¶ 4). At approximately 6:39pm, Sgt. Seidle received a telephone
call from a Camden County Communications dispatcher informing him that a 9-1-1 hang-up call
was received somewhere inside the hospital. (See Officer Report for Incident, Def.'s Br. Exhibit E
at 3). While Sgt. Seidle was still on the phone with the dispatcher, he exited the hospital through
the main ER entrance. As he exited, he saw Ms. Hayes enter. The ER entrance door is
electronically controlled as a security measure. Entry is allowed either by utilizing a card key or
through authorization by the Greeters desk. Sgt. Seidle did not hear the electronic lock of the ER
door activate as Ms. Hayes walked through, and thought that she had not followed proper hospital
protocol, thus he questioned her. (See Defendant's Statement of Undisputed Facts, ¶ 7). Ms. Hayes
told Sgt. Seidle that her sister was in the hospital and her mom worked there. Sgt. Seidle told her
numerous times that she must check in at the Greeters desk and Ms. Hayes refused. Sgt. Seidle
told her she was under arrest and attempted to take hold of her wrist. She pulled away and finally
went to check-in, shouting vulgar language at the police officer. (See Officer Report for Incident,
Def.'s Br. Exhibit E at 3).
Video footage from two security cameras inside the hospital captured the subsequent
arrests of both Ms. Hayes and the Plaintiff. Neither camera recorded sound. (See Def.'s Br. Exhibit

2 

D, Files "2015-03-05 ed reception incident1" (hereinafter "Video 1") and "2015-03-05 ed
incident3" (hereinafter "Video 2)).
I.

Arrest of Plaintiff and Ms. Hayes
After Ms. Hayes gave her check-in information to the Greeter, she referred to Sgt. Seidle

as a "fucking pig." Sgt. Seidle did not respond. (See Exhibit E at 3). The Greeter then told Ms.
Hayes she needed to know the name of the patient she was there to see. Ms. Hayes did not supply
the requested information, but instead responded, "There's my mother right there," pointing at her
mother who had stepped out from the ER at the time. (Id. at 3).
At that point, Sgt. Seidle told Ms. Hayes she had to leave the hospital. When she refused,
Seidle advised her that if she did not leave, he would place her under arrest for disorderly conduct.
During this exchange, Plaintiff and her 4-year-old grandson were standing at the doorway of the
ER watching Seidle and Ms. Hayes. (Id. at 3). When Ms. Hayes responded that she would not
leave the hospital, Sgt. Seidle radioed for assistance from other police officers, told Ms. Hayes she
was under arrest, and readied his handcuffs. As he reached for Ms. Hayes to cuff her, Ms. Hayes
backed away, moving toward Plaintiff. Plaintiff then moved toward Sgt. Seidle and Ms. Hayes.
(Id. at 4, 6). When Sgt. Seidle caught up with Ms. Hayes, he reached for her arm. Plaintiff stepped
in between Seidle and Ms. Hayes. (Id. at 4).
Sgt. Seidle pushed Plaintiff, telling her that Ms. Hayes was under arrest and that Plaintiff
was to stand back. (Id. at 4). Ms. Hayes immediately reacted by swinging at Sgt. Seidle and then
charging at him with both of her arms extended and her head down. Seidle backed up to avoid
being struck, withdrew his pepper spray (or “O.C. spray”), and sprayed Ms. Hayes in the face. Ms.
Hayes then charged at Seidle again in an attempt to strike his face. He fended off her attack and
aimed another burst of spray at her. (Id. at 4). Meanwhile, Plaintiff reached toward Sgt. Seidle

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telling him that he was not going to arrest her daughter. Seidle, who at this point was being attacked
by both Ms. Hayes and Plaintiff, aimed his spray at Plaintiff and tried to spray her to bring her
under control. Ms. Hayes stepped in between, reaching out her arm to stop Seidle from spraying
her mother. (Id. at 4). Sgt. Seidle then sprayed Ms. Hayes in the face, incapacitating her so that
she stopped attacking him. He then pushed both Ms. Hayes and Plaintiff back in order to fend them
off and bring them under control until back up arrived. At this time, Andrew Ockefuss, a hospital
security guard, and hospital nurses Thomas Hampton and Michael Mauro rushed to Sgt. Seidle's
aid. (Id. at 4).
Mr. Ockefuss assisted by taking hold of Ms. Hayes' right arm. As he did, Seidle took hold
of Ms. Hayes' left arm and attempted to cuff her wrist. Ms. Hayes then turned and spit at Seidle
several times. When spittle landed in Seidle’s right ear, he tripped her to the floor and with Mr.
Ockefuss' help, handcuffed her. While this was occurring, Mr. Hampton and Mr. Mauro attempted
to calm Plaintiff and prevent her from going towards her daughter, until other police officers
arrived to the scene. (Id. at 4). Sgt. Seidle then escorted Ms. Hayes outside to Officer Hubbard,
who was arriving to the scene. After conducting a search, Hubbard placed Ms. Hayes in his patrol
car. During this process, Ms. Hayes was still yelling profanities. (Id. at 4, 6).
Seidle returned to the ER with Officer Nikoch and Sergeants Colombo and Baldwin, who
had also arrived to the scene. The men arrested Plaintiff who had gone back to check in with her
hospitalized daughter. (See Deposition of Marcia Hayes-Miller, Def.'s Br. Exhibit B at 24). Sgt.
Seidle and Officer Nikoch then escorted Plaintiff to another patrol car where she was searched and
placed in the car. (See Def.'s Br. Exhibit E at 4, 6; Def.'s Br. Exhibit C, Nept. Twp. Police Dept.
Warrant, Individual Arrest Report with Complaint-Warrant). Officers Nikoch and Hubbard
transported Plaintiff and Ms. Hayes to Police Headquarters where they were processed. Plaintiff

4 

stated that she was never read her Miranda rights. (See Def.'s Br. Exhibit B at 48-49). Plaintiff also
stated that she was handcuffed to a bench rather than put in a cell because she refused to take off
a medical sleeve, which is a treatment for lymphedema. (Id. at 51-52.)
Sgt. Seidle endorsed complaints against Plaintiff for obstructing the administration of law,
aggravated assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest, and against Ms. Hayes for disorderly
conduct, obstructing the administration of law, aggravated assault on a police officer, throwing
bodily fluids, and resisting arrest. (See Def.'s Br. Exhibit E at 4. Exhibit C). All charges against
Plaintiff were dismissed in July by the Municipal Court of Neptune Township, New Jersey. (See
Def.'s Br. Exhibit K).
II.

Witnesses of the Encounter
Dorothy Cunningham, a JSUMC employee, was a trainee at the Emergency Room

Greeter's Desk on March 4, 2015, when she witnessed the incident involving Plaintiff, Ms. Hayes,
and Sgt. Seidle. She saw Seidle ask Ms. Hayes if she had checked in at the Greeter's Desk; Ms.
Hayes unwillingly checking in at the Greeter's Desk; Ms. Hayes repeatedly yelling profanities at
Seidle; Seidle advising Ms. Hayes if she did not stop shouting profanities he would not allow her
to re-enter the Emergency Room; Ms. Hayes nonetheless continue to call Seidle profane names;
Seidle then attempting to arrest Ms. Hayes; and Ms. Hayes physically resisting arrest by kicking
and swinging at Sgt. Seidle. (See Def.'s Br. Exhibit E at 6-7). Ms. Cunningham also witnessed
Plaintiff intervene when Sgt. Seidle was trying to place Ms. Hayes under arrest. She saw Plaintiff
yell and push Seidle, and Seidle respond by pushing back at Plaintiff and telling her to stand back.
She then saw Seidle, who was "taking on two people", get on his radio to call for back-up. Ms.
Cunningham and her fellow workers at the Greeter's Desk then began repeatedly hitting the panic
button for security to respond. She also saw Ms. Hayes spit on Seidle. (Id. at 7). Ms. Cunningham

5 

described Sgt. Seidle as having "handled himself really well" and "really did a good job" during
the incident involving Plaintiff and Ms. Hayes. She was surprised Seidle had not arrested Ms.
Hayes sooner. (Id.).
Breanne Carlson, the JSUMC Greeter at the Emergency Room Greeter's Desk on March 4,
2015 when the subject incident occurred, witnessed Ms. Hayes refusing to check in at the Greeter's
Desk despite Sgt. Seidle asking her to do so at least four to five times. She observed Ms. Hayes
had a "nasty mouth", calling Seidle a "Pig" and a "Fucking Pig". (Id.). When Ms. Carlson tried to
explain hospital check-in procedures to Ms. Hayes, Ms. Hayes refused to listen and continued to
use profanity against Seidle. When Seidle advised Ms. Hayes that she was under arrest, Ms.
Carlson watched Ms. Hayes run around the Greeter's Desk and then take a swing at Seidle in an
attempt to evade the Officer. (Id.). Ms. Carlson then observed Plaintiff cursing at Sgt. Seidle, at
which point she hit the panic button at the greeter's desk to summon hospital security. She
witnessed Seidle warn Plaintiff to stand back or he would spray Plaintiff and Ms. Hayes. Ms.
Carlson also saw Ms. Hayes spit at Seidle. (Id.).
Brenda Pagan, another JSUMC employee who was working the Greeter's Desk on the day
of the incident, returned to the desk from a bathroom break when she heard Ms. Hayes calling Sgt.
Seidle a "fucking pig" and a "racist". She saw Breanne Carlson trying to explain hospital
procedures to Ms. Hayes, who nonetheless continued cursing. She then saw Seidle advise Ms.
Hayes that she was under arrest, at which point Ms. Hayes walked away. She then witnessed Seidle
run after Ms. Hayes and grab Ms. Hayes by the arm. When he did, she saw Ms. Hayes swing at
Seidle, after which the situation "just got crazy from there." (Id.). Ms. Pagan then witnessed
Plaintiff become involved in the situation and believed Plaintiff struck Seidle as well. She saw

6 

Seidle respond by shoving Plaintiff and telling her to "get back." She also saw Ms. Hayes spit on
Seidle and call him a racist. (Id.).
Thomas Hampton, a registered nurse employed at JSUMC Hospital, was sitting at a desk
in the Emergency Room when he saw Sgt. Seidle ask Ms. Hayes if she had checked in at the
Greeter's Desk. Ms. Hayes responded, saying, "I don't have to fuckin' tell you where I'm going I
don't have to check in." Mr. Hampton then observed Seidle ask Ms. Hayes several times to simply
check-in at the Greeter's Desk, but Ms. Hayes continued to be "real nasty" to Seidle. (Id. at 8).
Moments after seeing Ms. Hayes finally walk out through the ER doors towards the Greeter's Desk,
Mr. Hampton heard a loud commotion in the vestibule waiting area. He ran through the ER doors
only to see Sgt. Seidle struggling with Plaintiff and Ms. Hayes, both of whom were "totally out of
control." With the help of another male hospital employee, Mr. Hampton subdued the Plaintiff,
who was yelling and cursing, and pushed her away from Seidle. (Id.).
III.

Plaintiff’s Suspension from Work and an Internal Affairs Complaint against
Seidle

On March 5, 2015, the day after the incident, Plaintiff went back to work and she was
suspended without pay. She was not allowed to collect unemployment. (See Deposition of Marcia
Hayes-Miller, Exhibit B at 62). The same day, Plaintiff filed an internal affairs complaint against
Sgt. Seidle alleging the use of excessive force against her. (See Exhibit E, Neptune Twp. Police
Dept. Internal Affairs Complaint Notification, 3/5/15, by Lieut. M. McGhee to Sgt. Seidle).
On March 9, 2015, Plaintiff withdrew the complaint. (See Exhibit F, 4/15/15 Internal
Affairs/Departmental Investigation Report by Lieut. Michael J. McGhee). She called the Neptune
Township Police Department and spoke to Lieut. Michael J. McGhee about the March 4, 2015
incident and her complaint against Sgt. Seidle. During that conversation, Plaintiff indicated to

7 

Lieut. McGhee that she realized she was wrong for interfering with Sgt. Seidle's arrest of her
daughter, whom she admitted is "a problem.” Plaintiff expressed remorse for her behavior, and
requested that the Lieutenant extend her apology to Seidle. She further indicated that she wanted
to withdraw her complaint against Seidle. (See Exhibit F).
On April 8, 2015, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office completed an independent
investigation and review of Plaintiff's complaint alleging use of excessive force by Sgt. Seidle
during the March 4, 2015 incident. (See Exhibit G, April 8, 2015 letters by J. Seely, Special Deputy
Attorney General to James M. Hunt, Jr., Police Chief of Neptune Twp. Police Department and
Plaintiff). After examining all information in the case, including reports and video surveillance
from Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and reviewing relevant Use of Force Policies as set
forth by the Attorney General's Office and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, the
Prosecutor's Office concluded that Sgt. Seidle "was in full compliance with these policies and any
amount of force used by him was appropriate for th[e] situation." (See Exhibit G). The Prosecutor's
Office further noted that, "the original complainant Marsha Hayes-Miller has advised that she
wishes to drop the complaint, and has stated that it was just a 'mix-up'". Therefore, the Prosecutor's
Office concluded that there was insufficient evidence to warrant any further investigation and
closed its file on the complaint. (See Exhibit G).
On April 15, 2015, based upon evidence presented in the Complaint filed by Plaintiff
against Sgt. Seidle and the separate investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's
Office, the Neptune Township Police Department Internal Affairs Unit concluded that Sgt. Seidle's
actions on March 4, 2015 relative to Plaintiff were justified, legal and proper. Thus, the Department
closed the case on the internal affairs complaint with a finding of "exonerated". (See Exhibit F,

8 

4/15/15 Internal Affairs/Departmental Investigation Report by Lieut. Michael J. McGhee, p. 2;
Exhibit H, 4/15/15 letter by Neptune Twp. Police Chief J. Hunt to Sgt. Seidle).
IV.

Letters to Seidle and Plaintiff's Health
In early June, Plaintiff and her daughters wrote letters to Sgt. Seidle apologizing for the

incident. Plaintiff later stated that the letters were written on the advice of her lawyer, Kevin
Wigenton. (See Deposition of Marcia Hayes-Miller; Exhibit B at 70-71.) Plaintiff wrote the letters
because she needed her job back and her medical benefits were being threatened. Plaintiff was
diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, which spread to the bones and spine so medical benefits
were essential to her continuing treatment with multiple doctors. (Id. at 15-16). The purpose of the
letter was to express regret that the incident ever happened, but not for her own actions. Plaintiff
persists that she was wrongfully arrested. (Id. at 72-73).
On June 1, 2015, Plaintiff wrote a letter directly to Sgt. Seidle and Sgt. J. Hunter Ellison
about the March 4, 2015 incident, expressing remorse for her actions and that she "truly regret[ted]
what happened . . ." She stated that, despite having been a long-term employee with JSUMC for
fifteen (15) years, due to her actions in March 4, 2015 incident, she had been suspended from her
job at the hospital. (See Exhibit I).
On June 2, 2015, Marshaya Scurry, Plaintiff's older daughter, also wrote a letter to Sgt.
Seidle stating that her mother "is completely sorry and embarrassed by the [March 4, 2015]
incident", and "now sees her error and understand[s] how serious it is to try to come in between If
Ms. Scurry's letter beseeches Seidle "to forgive" Plaintiff. (See Exhibit J) 43. Ms. Scurry's June 2,
2015 letter to Sgt. Seidle also states that there was no excuse for her sister, Ms. Hayes' actions on
March 4, 2015, and that her sister as well "wants to apologize completely". (See Exhibit J).

9 

Ms. Hayes also wrote a letter of apology to Sgt. Seidle, acknowledging her "unruly
behavior" and "bad decision making" on the evening of March 4, 2015, and "truly apologiz[ing]"
for same. (See Exhibit K.)
V.

Phillip Seidle’s employment with Neptune Township

Seidle testified he was employed as a police officer with Neptune Township from July 15,
1993 through June 16, 2015. There have been three complaints of excessive force against Sgt.
Seidle, including Plaintiff’s complaint. In 2004, a complaint was made against Seidle for police
brutality. It was determined that the complaint was unfounded and the investigation was closed. In
2004, a complaint was made against Seidle for use of force. Since 2004, up until the time of this
incident in March 2015, no Internal Affairs complaints were made against Seidle.
Due to complaints filed by his wife in February 2012 and departmental charges by Neptune
Township, Seidle was required to attend a Fitness-for-Duty evaluation by Dr. White, Neptune
Township’s psychologist. He was declared unfit and out of work from February 2012-May 2012.
Seidle testified Neptune Township filed departmental charges as a result of a dispatch incident to
his wife’s house. Seidle’s wife filed for divorce in August 2013 and the proceeding was finalized
during May 2015.
In April 2014 Seidle testified he took a leave of absence after his daughters called the
Neptune Township police department claiming Seidle was harassing them. Seidle testified he
voluntarily handed in his gun and badge and told his chief that he was going to resign at the end
of the day. Seidle was sent for a Fit for Duty Examination on August 13, 2014. Dr. White informed
Chief Hunt that Seidle was cleared to return to work beginning August 25, 2014.
Seidle testified he was in counseling during April 2014 and February 2015 for difficulties
dealing with his divorce, separation from his children and financial stress. Seidle testified that the

10 

Chief was aware of his personal issues, along with Captain Fisher and Sergeant Ellison. Seidle
testified, “There were a lot of people, you know. I talked about it. I talked about it a lot.” Seidle
testified the personal issues affected his ability to focus, his memory, responsibilities, but “it wasn’t
like I couldn’t do the job. I did the job.”
VI.

Neptune Township

In connection with the excessive force complaint against Sgt. Seidle, Chief Hunt testified
that he reviewed his officers’ internal investigation, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office
independent review, and found Sgt. Seidle did nothing wrong during the March 4, 2015 incident
involving the arrest of the Plaintiff.
VII.

Factual Hearing

On October 24, 2017, this Court held a factual hearing. During this hearing, the surveillance
video from the night of the incident was played in the courtroom–with no audio- (three different
views). Following the screening, Plaintiff took the stand to testify regarding the occurrences of
that day, specifically as to conversations and interactions that took place around and at the time of
the incident, and any injuries she suffered2.
Plaintiff attested that she did not suffer any injuries, no cuts, no bruises. She only suffered from
minor irritation due to the O.C. spray which was used by Sgt. Seidle. While on the stand, Plaintiff
agreed that from the video, it appears that she attacked Officer Seidle. She also testified that after
she entered the triage area, she asked Officer Seidle what was happening but did not receive a
response.

2

Defendant Seidle was not present at the fact hearing. We understand that he was, and
still is at the present time, incarcerated.   

11 

Legal Standard & Analysis:
I.

Summary Judgment Standard
Summary judgment is appropriate under Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c) when the moving party

demonstrates that there is no genuine issue of material fact and the evidence establishes the moving
party’s entitlement to judgment as a matter of law. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 32223 (1986). A factual dispute is genuine if a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmovant, and it is material if, under the substantive law, it would affect the outcome of the suit.
Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986). In considering a motion for summary
judgment, a district court may not make credibility determinations or engage in any weighing of
the evidence; instead, the non-moving party’s evidence “is to be believed and all justifiable
inferences are to be drawn in his favor.” Marino v. Indus. Crating Co., 358 F.3d 241, 247 (3d
Cir. 2004) (quoting Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255).
Once the moving party has satisfied its initial burden, the party opposing the motion must
establish that a genuine issue as to a material fact exists. Jersey Cent. Power & Light Co. v. Lacey
Twp., 772 F.2d 1103, 1109 (3d Cir. 1985). The party opposing the motion for summary judgment
cannot rest on mere allegations and instead must present actual evidence that creates a genuine
issue as to a material fact for trial. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248; Siegel Transfer, Inc. v. Carrier
Express, Inc., 54 F.3d 1125, 1130-31 (3d Cir. 1995). “[U]nsupported allegations . . . and pleadings
are insufficient to repel summary judgment.” Schoch v. First Fidelity Bancorp., 912 F.2d 654,
657 (3d Cir. 1990); see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(e) (requiring nonmoving party to “set forth specific
facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial”).

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Moreover, only disputes over facts that might affect the outcome of the lawsuit under
governing law will preclude the entry of summary judgment. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 247-48. If a
court determines, “after drawing all inferences in favor of [the non-moving party], and making all
credibility determinations in his favor “that no reasonable jury could find for him, summary
judgment is appropriate.” Alevras v. Tacopina, 226 Fed. App’x 222, 227 (3d Cir. 2007).
II.

Excessive Force
To recover under Section 1983, a plaintiff must show two elements: (1) a person deprived

him or caused him to be deprived of a right secured by the Constitution or laws of the United
States, and (2) the deprivation was done under color of state law. See West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42,
48 (1988); Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 152 (1970); Sample v. Diecks, 885 F.2d
1099, 1107 (3d Cir. 1989).
“In addressing an excessive force claim brought under §1983, analysis begins by
identifying the specific constitutional right allegedly infringed by the challenged application of
force.” Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). Relevant to this inquiry is the status of the
plaintiff at the time of the alleged violation. In Graham, the Supreme Court made explicit that the
Fourth Amendment governs excessive force claims arising out of an arrest or investigatory
stop. Id. at 395.
Under the Fourth Amendment, whether an officer used excessive force is assessed by the
“objective reasonableness” of that officer’s conduct. Id. at 397. A court determines the
reasonableness of an officer's actions by considering the following factors:
1. the severity of the crime at issue
2. whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others
3. whether the plaintiff is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight

13 

4. the possibility that the suspect is violent or dangerous
5. the duration of the entire altercation
6. whether the use of force takes place during the course of the arrest
7. the possibility that the suspect may be armed
8. the number of persons that the officers must contend with at one time
Id.; Kopec v. Tate, 361 F.3d 772, 776-77 (3d Cir. 2004). The reasonableness of the force used
“must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the
20/20 vision of hindsight.” Id.
However, even when a federal right is implicated under § 1983, a state actor alleged to
have violated that right may nevertheless be entitled to qualified immunity. Burella v. City of
Philadelphia, 501 F.3d 134, 139 (3d Cir. 2007). “Qualified immunity shields state officials from
suit when their conduct ‘does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of
which a reasonable person would have known.’” Id. (quoting Yarris v. County of Delaware, 465
F.3d 129, 140 (3d Cir. 2006)). Generally, the applicability of qualified immunity is a question of
law. See Sherwood v. Mulvihill, 113 F.3d 396, 401 n. 4 (3d Cir.1997). However, where factual
issues relevant to the determination of qualified immunity are in dispute, the Court cannot resolve
the matter as a question of law. See Karnes v. Skrutski, 62 F.3d 485, 491 (3d Cir.1995).
Determining whether a defendant is entitled to qualified immunity requires two inquiries,
which can be taken in either order. Pearson v. Callahan, 129 S. Ct. 808, 818 (2009). The first is
whether taken in the light most favorable to the plaintiff the facts "alleged or shown make out a
violation of a constitutional right." Id. at 816 (internal quotations omitted). The second is “whether
the right at issue was ‘clearly established’ at the time of defendant’s alleged misconduct.” Id. A
right is clearly established if “it would be clear to a reasonable officer that his conduct was

14 

unlawful in the situation he confronted.” Reedy v. Evanson, 615 F.3d 197 (3d Cir. 2010) (quoting
Saucier v. Katz, 533 U.S. 194 (2001)). “This inquiry turns on the objective legal reasonableness
of the action, assessed in the light of the legal rules that were clearly established at the time it was
taken.” Pearson, 129 S. Ct. at 822 (internal quotation marks omitted). Finally, the objective
reasonableness test for qualified immunity requires consideration of “the information within the
officer’s possession at that time.” Harvey v. Plains Twp. Police Dep’t, 421 F.3d 184, 194 (3d Cir.
2005) (citation omitted). A defendant has the burden to establish that he is entitled to qualified
immunity. See Beers-Capitol v. Whetzel, 256 F.3d 120, 142 n.15 (3d Cir.2001).
The Court analyzes the "objective reasonableness" of Sgt. Seidle's actions using the
relevant factors. In the analysis, the Court will take into consideration the actions of both Ms.
Hayes and the Plaintiff as they are difficult, if not impossible, to separate.
First, with regards to the severity of the initial crime, Sgt. Seidle was hired to protect the
security of patients, employees, and visitors of the hospital. The signing-in procedure required by
the hospital was an additional precaution set in place for the same security reasons. As part of the
protocol, Sgt. Seidle directed Ms. Hayes to sign in. It was upon her refusal and her use of language
such as “fucking pig” that he demanded she leave the hospital. Her language and behavior were
sufficient to identify her as someone who should not be wandering the hospital’s premises. Ms.
Hayes was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct for refusing to check in at the Greeters desk.
Several other charges flowed from the incident, including resisting arrest and assault on police,
but those charges came only after the escalation of the initial charge and that escalation is what is
at issue before this court.
Second, Ms. Hayes appeared to pose some threat to the safety of Sgt. Seidle and others in
the ER. From the video, one can objectively see Ms. Hayes' body language and disrespect for the

15 

Sergeant. From the police reports of Sgt. Seidle and Sgt. Ellison, the employees at the desk
confirmed that she was using vulgar language and refused to cooperate. Plaintiff, on the other
hand, did not show a high level of threat until the altercation ensued. She was wearing scrubs, her
work uniform. Ms. Hayes, upon threat of arrest, began walking towards her mother.
Third, Ms. Hayes was actively resisting arrest. Sgt. Seidle attempted to cuff her twice in a
peaceable way, and Ms. Hayes moved quickly to evade him. Plaintiff interfered with Sgt. Seidle
arresting Ms. Hayes. She stood between the two and asked for an explanation. However, there was
no danger that either Ms. Hayes or Plaintiff were fleeing the scene, and that Sgt. Seidle was
authorized to use force in order to contain a suspect. Plaintiff's other daughter was a patient at the
hospital, and Plaintiff herself was an employee.
Fourth, Ms. Hayes appeared capable of violence, and once her mother was pushed by Sgt.
Seidle, she became violent, swinging and charging at a police officer. Only then, did Sgt. Seidle
take out the OC spray. Plaintiff, on the other hand, showed little capacity for violence. As a hospital
employee, she had some ground to seek an explanation. However, Plaintiff had no right to interfere
with an arrest. Ms. Hayes is an adult, not a minor in need of protection. Fifth, the duration of the
altercation was approximately six minutes. Sgt. Seidle called for backup in that time, but did not
wait for backup to arrive before engaging Ms. Hayes. The action at issue was a matter of seconds:
Ms. Hayes rushed to her mother and Sgt. Seidle quickly followed and pushed Plaintiff with both
hands, a woman in her fifties. Then Ms. Hayes struck back in retaliation.
Sixth, the use of the force took place during the arrest of Ms. Hayes, but not during the
arrest of Plaintiff. Only after Ms. Hayes charged, did Sgt. Seidle use the OC spray. Seven, although
there is always a possibility that anyone may be armed and the Court recognizes the ubiquitous
danger an officer faces in this regard, Sgt. Seidle had no reason to believe that Ms. Hayes, and

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certainly not the Plaintiff possessed any weapon. Eighth, Sgt. Seidle had to contend with two
people, one of whom showed a potential for violence. In his effort to arrest Ms. Hayes, Plaintiff
quickly appeared and Sgt. Seidle was confronted with another person and he did not allow that
person to stand in his way.
Given the examination of the record using the Graham factors, the Court finds that Sgt.
Seidle's use of OC spray on Plaintiff did not infringe on a constitutional right. There is no right for
Plaintiff to be free from the use of OC spray when demanding an explanation from an officer who
is arresting a violent woman. See Grant v. City of Pittsburgh, 98 F.3d 116, 122 (3d Cir. 1996)
([C]rucial to the resolution of any assertion of qualified immunity is a careful examination of the
record . . . to establish, for purposes of summary judgment, a detailed factual description of the
action of each individual defendant viewed in a light most favorable to the plaintiff.") (internal
punctuation omitted).

Additionally, Plaintiff was affected by the OC spray because she

intentionally placed herself in the middle of the altercation.
Furthermore, the Court cannot find that Sgt. Seidle acted so unreasonably as to deny his
entitlement of qualified immunity. A right is clearly established if “it would be clear to a reasonable
officer that his conduct was unlawful in the situation he confronted.” Reedy v. Evanson, 615 F.3d
197, 224 (3d Cir. 2010) (quotation omitted). An officer, finding himself confronted with such an
aggressor as Ms. Hayes, is put under pressure, and the quick appearance of Plaintiff and her
interference with the arrest, only magnified that pressure and justified Sgt. Seidle's use of OC
spray. The Neptune Township Police Department Standard Operating Procedure on Use of Force
states that an officer "may use physical or mechanical force. . . [t]o effectuate the lawful arrest of
any person for an offense or crime." (See Pl.'s Br. Exhibit C at 4). Mechanical force includes the
use of OC spray. Furthermore, OC spray is considered justified after "[n]oncompliance with an

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officer's verbal commands. . . ." (Id. at 4-5). Ms. Hayes repeatedly did not comply with Sgt.
Seidle's commands. Although Sgt. Seidle could have demonstrated more patience and skill in deescalation, his actions did not rise to the level of unreasonableness required to strip him of
immunity. Moreover, Plaintiff did not suffer any injuries aside from irritation due to the effects of
the OC spray.
Therefore, Seidle’s Motion for Summary Judgment is granted.
Since this Court finds that Sgt. Seidle did not use excessive force against the Plaintiff, the claim
against Neptune Township is moot.
ORDER
This matter having been opened to the court on Motions for Summary Judgment filed by
Defendant Police Officer Seidle (ECF No. 57); and Defendant Neptune Township (ECF No. 55);
and the Court having fully considered the submissions in support thereof, and any opposition
thereto; and having considered the arguments of counsel, the additional arguments and evidence
set forth at the October 24, 2017 hearing, and for the reasons set forth in the attached memorandum;
IT IS on this 9th day of November, 2017,
ORDERED that Defendant Police Officer Seidle’s for summary judgment (ECF No. 57)
is GRANTED;
ORDERED that Defendant Neptune Township’s for summary judgment (ECF No. 55) is
denied as moot; and it is further
ORDERED that this matter is dismissed with prejudice.

s/Peter G. Sheridan
PETER G. SHERIDAN,U.S.D.J.  

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