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Mom sues after teen arrested


Published: May 8, 2008 at 8:37 PM
CLINTON, Conn., May 8 (UPI) -- A Clinton, Conn., woman has filed suit against a police officer who arrested her 14-year-old son after a camera he brought to school gave electric shocks.

Carolyn Vangemert's lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses Officer Kyle Strunjo of false arrest after her son, Christian, was arrested and suspended from The Morgan School, The Hartford (Conn.) Courant reported Thursday.

Christian Vangemert faces charges of possession of a dangerous weapon on school grounds, attempted assault and breach of peace in juvenile court after students in his English class willingly used a modified disposable camera he brought to school to give themselves electric shocks.

Carolyn Vangemert previously sued the school to challenge the suspension and the parties agreed to allow the student to return to school after he served five days of his 10-day suspension.

Vangemert's suit against Strunjo alleges he arrested her son without "either a warrant or probable cause to believe that a crime had been committed." She is seeking unspecified punitive and compensatory damages.


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CATHEDRAL LIGHTS
Light patterns and images are projected on Washington's National Cathedral during a "Lighting to Unite" program in Washington on May 9, 2008. Swiss lighting artist Gerry Hofstetter illuminated the south and west sides of the multi-denomination Cathedral to delight of area residents and in celebration of the Cathedral's centennial. (UPI Photo/Pat Benic)
Lights and images adorn the National Cathedral in Washington
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