GLENDALE, Calif., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- City officials in Glendale, Calif., say they are considering their legal options after a jury awarded $1.3 million to a man who was falsely accused of murder.
The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that Edmond Ovasapyan, 28, sued the Glendale Police Department in U.S. District Court for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, after spending eight months in jail.
His lawyers argued that detectives who arrested him in connection with a 2005 home-invasion slaying initially ignored exculpatory evidence, including his alibi. However, city officials said the officers had probable cause for the arrest.
"The detectives didn't give up," said City Attorney Scott Howard. "If it wasn't for the continued investigation by these officers, there is a chance that this person would have gone to trial and may have been convicted."
Ovasapyan expressed relief following Wednesday's jury decision, which also made Detective Arthur Frank and Lt. Ian Grimes liable for $150,000 punitive damages, the newspaper said.
"I thought this was never going to happen; I thought I was going to be in jail for the rest of my life," Ovasapyan told the Times. "Justice prevailed."
