Two Delaware County officials file lawsuits against each other over an alleged illegal traffic stop dispute.

A recent traffic stop in Brookhaven, a borough in Delaware County, has ignited a contentious public dispute between local officials, leading to federal lawsuits that allege abuse of power and defamation. Council President Terry Heller has initiated a civil rights lawsuit against the borough and its former police chief, Michael Vice. Heller claims that he was unlawfully targeted during a traffic stop, which he describes as “illegal” and “unconstitutional.” Additionally, he asserts that following the incident, he was wrongfully portrayed as an alcoholic and a criminal.

This lawsuit follows Vice’s resignation last year amidst a suspension by the borough council, which cited concerns over his management of the police department. Vice had previously filed his own lawsuit against Heller and the borough, alleging defamation and breach of contract related to his suspension, which he claims has severely damaged his professional reputation and hindered his ability to secure future employment in law enforcement.

Heller’s lawsuit alleges that Vice and his officers utilized a law enforcement database to track his vehicle, a maneuver he believes was initiated in retaliation for his vote against a pay increase for the police officer who stopped him. This assertion places the spotlight on broader issues of accountability and transparency within local law enforcement agencies.

In contrast, Vice maintains that Heller’s driving behavior warranted the traffic stop. He claims that officers observed Heller making a left turn at a red light and suspected possible intoxication. The charges against Heller ultimately indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.07, just below the legal limit, leading to traffic violations but no charges related to DUI.

Further complicating the situation, Vice contends that he publicly asserted Heller was exhibiting signs of intoxication following the stop, a statement Heller vehemently denies. The fallout from these allegations has reportedly left Heller feeling a deep sense of emotional distress, a loss of community standing, and invasions of privacy.

The legal battles between Heller and Vice reflect not only personal grievances but also highlight larger issues surrounding law enforcement practices, governance, and the potential for misconduct within public institutions. As both parties prepare for litigation, the ongoing disputes may prompt significant scrutiny of the borough’s leadership and its law enforcement protocols, leading to questions of public trust and institutional integrity.

Legal representatives for both individuals have remained tight-lipped regarding comments on the lawsuits, indicating that the forthcoming proceedings may further elucidate the complexities and consequences surrounding this increasingly fraught situation in Brookhaven. Media News Source will continue to follow developments as these high-profile cases unfold.