NJ Lawsuit Claims Wrongful Arrest of Man With Autism After Neighbor Complaint Leads to 13-Day Jail Stay
A New Jersey man diagnosed with autism has filed a lawsuit alleging he was wrongly arrested and detained for nearly two weeks after neighbors complained about his behavior captured on a home security camera. The case raises serious questions about probable cause, disability awareness, and police procedures in Bergen County.
According to court filings, 53-year-old William Krywos was taken into custody by Ho-Ho-Kus police on June 13, 2024, at his home on Duncan Road. The arrest followed concerns raised by neighbors after reviewing footage from their security camera, which showed him engaging in what they described as unusual behavior while in his yard, including muttering to himself.
The lawsuit states that officers interpreted the video as evidence of harassment and stalking. A detective involved in the case reportedly documented that Krywos had been observed making bodily movements, singing, and using language that was considered offensive toward nearby residents. Based on these allegations, he was charged with stalking and harassment.
However, the legal complaint argues that the video evidence did not show any direct interaction between Krywos and the neighbors, nor any behavior occurring in their presence. Instead, it only captured him acting in his own yard, which his attorney says is consistent with his known disability and personal habits.
Krywos was later indicted, but the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office eventually dismissed the criminal charges. Despite the dismissal, the lawsuit claims he spent 13 days in the county jail before being released on June 26, 2024.
The legal filing further alleges that law enforcement was aware of his autism from previous interactions and should have understood that his behavior was not directed at others. It also claims officers had the option to issue a summons instead of making a full custodial arrest, which would have allowed him to remain at home while the case was processed.
His attorney argues that the arrest escalated unnecessarily when multiple officers were dispatched to the residence, leading to his detention in county jail. The lawsuit describes the experience as deeply distressing and states that it resulted in emotional harm, embarrassment, and loss of personal freedom.
The complaint also raises concerns about how the arrest warrant was prepared, alleging that key context—specifically that the behavior was not directed at or witnessed by the neighbors in person—was not fully included in the charging documents.
Ho-Ho-Kus officials, including the police department leadership and borough representatives, have not publicly commented on the allegations as of now.
The borough has previously identified itself as a “stigma-free” community, a designation intended to promote awareness and reduce discrimination related to mental health conditions. Despite this, the lawsuit claims the handling of the case reflects a failure to apply those principles in practice.
The case has been filed under claims including false arrest, gross negligence, and violations of New Jersey’s anti-discrimination laws. It remains a civil matter, and no court ruling has been made on the allegations at this stage.
Legal experts note that cases involving mental health conditions and law enforcement responses often hinge on whether officers had clear probable cause and whether less restrictive enforcement options were reasonably considered.
As the lawsuit moves forward, it is expected to further examine police procedures, the interpretation of video evidence, and how disability-related behaviors are assessed in criminal investigations.
Sources:
State of New Jersey Superior Court (Bergen County) civil complaint filings
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office case dismissal record
Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department arrest and charging documents referenced in civil lawsuit
