Derby court, where a criminal case against William Petaway is ongoing.
ANSONIA – A man accused of stabbing a woman in a laundry room dispute has sued the Ansonia Police Department for allegedly searching his residence illegally.
William Petaway was arrested on Feb. 7 after a woman called the police and told police Petaway had punched her in the face and stabbed her arm.
The two are neighbors in an apartment building on Main Street, according to police.
Petaway then left the complex, according to a police affidavit, after which officers decided to search his apartment for potential additional victims. Officers obtained a master key from a maintenance worker. They knocked on Petaway’s door, announced their presence, and unlocked the door. Nobody was found inside.
Petaway’s lawsuit, in which he is representing himself in New Haven court, alleges that that search was unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment.
Petaway’s complaint says that the maintenance worker was unable to consent to a warrantless search on his behalf.
The complaint names ten defendants in total, including all officers who were present at the scene, the police department, the company that owns his apartment complex, the maintenance worker who gave officers a master key, and the City of Ansonia.
Petaway’s complaint seeks a total $5 million in damages – $500,000 from each defendant – an apology from the city and Petaway’s landlord, and formal discipline of all officers involved in the arrest.
Ansonia’s corporation counsel, John Marini, is representing the city and police department in the lawsuit. In a phone call with The Valley Indy, he called the complaint meritless and said he will be asking for the suit to be dismissed.
Petaway’s complaint does not dispute the facts claimed in the police affidavit. It claims that the victim was not a resident of the apartment complex at the time of the alleged stabbing, and cites state law that permits the use of force when defending property from trespassers.
In an audio tape recorded by the victim and referenced during Petaway’s arraignment, a male voice can be heard telling her to “get out of here or die.” The victim can be heard crying during the tape.
The victim was taken to Griffin Hospital to be treated for her injuries.
Petaway, in a phone call with The Valley Indy, said his complaint speaks for itself. As of April 17, no hearing date has been set.
For the alleged stabbing, Petaway was charged with assault and threatening, each in the second degree. His next court date for the criminal case is May 14 in Derby court.
