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GREENSBORO — A Greensboro police lieutenant dropped a civil lawsuit against the city and two former police officials Friday morning.

“It’s time for the city to move on, and we are doing this to begin the healing process,” Lt. James Hinson said by phone Friday afternoon.

“We hope the city will realize the sincerity of this effort to create an olive branch.”

Hinson filed the lawsuit in May 2008, alleging that former Police Chief David Wray and former Deputy Police Chief Randall Brady had conspired in a “pattern of malicious and willful acts” with the goal of ruining Hinson’s career and reputation because he is black. The suit sought $20,000 in damages.

Under state law, Hinson can file his lawsuit again through the end of 2010. He said his lawyers are prepared to do so if need be.

Greensboro’s attorneys declined to comment about the case. Becky Jo Peterson-Buie, the city’s chief deputy attorney, said that the city does not comment about pending or active litigation and won’t speak on the Hinson case until the one-year period is over.

Wray resigned his post amid inquiries and accusations about internal investigation practices in the department.
 

In the years that followed, the fallout from that controversy has brought mistrust, more accusations and lawsuits to the city and its police force.

In his statement Friday, Hinson called his decision to drop the lawsuit “a peace offering to the city, providing an opportunity to resolve the issues in this case without cost, inconvenience and further polarization that come with continued litigation.

“My action in dismissing this case may also promote discussion and potential resolution of other cases involving similar or related issues,” Hinson said.

“It is my hope that the city will welcome this overture in the same spirit in which it is offered and engage with my lawyers in an effort to resolve the issues between us so that our city can begin a much needed healing process much larger than this one case.”

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com

Contact Gerald Witt at 373-7008 or gerald.witt@news-record.com