Barbara Lopez Payan v. Caitlin A. Freshwater

Date: 11-07-2025

Case Number: CV202403217

Judge: Timothy J. Ryan

Court: Superior Court, Maricopa County, Arizona

Plaintiff's Attorney:

Defendant's Attorney: City of Glendale Legal Department

Description: Phoenix, Arizona personal injury lawyer represented the Plaintiff who sued on an unknown legal theory.

In June 2023, Officer Freshwater approached Payan and her two dogs at a police station. After their encounter, Freshwater wrote in a police report that one of Payan's dogs needed "immediate medical attention." The report also stated that Payan "could not hold a conversation," her thoughts were "all over the place," and she was "delusional."

Payan was subsequently involuntarily committed to a mental health institution. During her commitment, her two dogs were released to the Humane Society. One dog was euthanized, and the other was placed for adoption.

In August 2024, Payan filed a document with the Glendale Police Department that the trial court treated as a notice of claim. In November 2024, Payan filed this lawsuit against Officer Freshwater, attempting to allege defamation, false imprisonment, abuse of a vulnerable adult, loss of property for the loss of her dogs, and violations of several criminal statutes. The trial court granted Freshwater's motion to dismiss

Outcome: Motion to dismiss granted.

Affirmed

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: