Was I Illegally Detained?

[Hockey Fan]

A friend I went to a hockey game with was asked to leave because the players on the bench complained about him yelling. Since I was with him I left as well. However, on the way out I was told that the security wanted our names and some ID. I refused and said they asked us to leave and we were, but I did not need to provide them with an ID. They let me walk to the door and then grabbed me and refused to let me go until I gave them my driver's license.

I equate this to a store security guard asking you to leave the store after arguing with the management and then refusing to let you leave until you tell them who you are.

Is there any difference because I was at a sporting event? Did they break any laws by not letting me leave the building? This all happend in Washington DC.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hockey Fan:
A friend I went to a hockey game with was asked to leave because the players on the bench complained about him yelling. Since I was with him I left as well. However, on the way out I was told that the security wanted our names and some ID. I refused and said they asked us to leave and we were, but I did not need to provide them with an ID. They let me walk to the door and then grabbed me and refused to let me go until I gave them my driver's license.

I equate this to a store security guard asking you to leave the store after arguing with the management and then refusing to let you leave until you tell them who you are.

Is there any difference because I was at a sporting event? Did they break any laws by not letting me leave the building? This all happend in Washington DC.

Any help would be appreciated.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

Yes, they did break the law. This is a Civil matter, and you can sue them for "false imprisonment" and damages. This is not like a store, where a shopkeeper has the right to detain you if you are suspected of theft. This was a stadium, and theft was not involved. All because you and your friend may have benn "overzealous" with your rooting for the good guys, and against the opposing team, doesn't give the Stadium any right to detain you for even one second. Go get 'em.

IAAL


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[This message has been edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE (edited April 14, 2000).]