Morrisdale woman sues over alleged false arrest

Trooper accused of detaining Hubler-Thompson without cause

The owner of a nonprofit horse sanctuary in Morrisdale, Clearfield County, described by her attorney as a "sweet Christian woman," has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against a State Police trooper who took her into custody last June and accused her of driving under the influence of methamphetamine.

The lawsuit was filed this week in the U.S. District Court in Johnstown by attorney Dylan T. Hastings of Philadelphia, who represents the plaintiff, Lana Hubler-Thompson, 59.

Hubler-Thompson opened the Forgotten Hearts Horse Sanctuary as a rescue for horses, donkeys, mules and ponies.

Last June, she was hauling a 750-pound bale of hay in the rear of her black Dodge Ram truck, on her way to Forgotten Hearts.

It was wet and foggy, and as she approached a red light at Naulon Road and State Street in Curwensville, a state police vehicle, driven by Trooper Austin Woolcock, crossed the intersection and then performed a U-turn.

When the traffic light turned green, Hubler-Thompson said she turned left on State Street.

According to the lawsuit, the trooper followed her truck for several miles before pulling her over.

He contended her headlight was out.

She maintained her headlight was not out.

She admitted she was driving slowly due to the darkness and weather conditions.

The lawsuit charges that the trooper did not have "reasonable suspicion" to stop her vehicle.

He then accused her of being under the influence of "meth."

According to her lawsuit, Hubler-Thompson "demonstrated absolutely no signs or symptoms of impairment, much less being under the influence."

The trooper then frisked her and searched her vehicle, finding no evidence of narcotics or narcotics use.

The lawsuit stated that Hubler-Thompson "has never consumed drugs or alcohol in her entire life."

It continues, noting, despite the lack of probable cause, she was placed under arrest and taken to Clearfield Hospital for a blood draw.

Taken to the Woodland Barracks, Hubler-Thompson was released to her son.

On June 14, the local newspaper ran a release that stated Hubler-Thompson was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs -- pending blood results. In October, the paper clarified charges were never filed from the incident.

State court records show no record of charges being filed.

The news release in the case caused Hubler-Thompson "significant embarrassment, reputational harm and emotional distress," according to the lawsuit.

She is suing the trooper for false arrest and unlawful search and seizure -- alleged Fourth Amendment violations -- as well as malicious prosecution under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.

State police in Clearfield and Punxsutawney could not comment on the lawsuit because they had no knowledge of it being filed.

Hastings said he filed the lawsuit because, "It's a wrong that I'm trying to make right. Hopefully this will clear her name."

Hubler-Thompson, he said, has been "traumatized" by her arrest.

"For eight months that's all she can think about," he said.

He said she has been "a positive in the community. ...She's an asset to the community."

The lawsuit is seeking in excess of $150,000 compensatory damages as well as exemplary or punishment damages.