Elderly couple suing police, Nationwide Insurance after hibiscus gets mistaken for marijuana-growing operation
A Pennsylvania couple has launched a lawsuit against local police and Nationwide Insurance after they allegedly had to sit for hours in a cop car because their hibiscus plant allegedly got mistaken for pot.
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, an insurance agent came to the home of Edward Cramer, 69, and his wife, Audrey Cramer, 66, in Buffalo Township in early October to investigate a report of a fallen tree.
The homeowners allege that the agent secretly took photos of their hibiscus plants located in their backyard and forwarded them to law enforcement.
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In response, police supposedly used the images to obtain a search warrant and proceeded to raid their home, even placing Audrey Cramer in handcuffs while she was still in her underwear as officers aimed assault rifles at her.
Her husband wasn't home when the raid initially began.
The complaint further alleges that she was made to stand outside undressed and handcuffed for approximately 10 minutes before being placed in the back of a cop car.
When Edward Cramer arrived, he claims he, too, had guns pointed at him as he was placed under arrest then forced to sit in the police car with his wife for over two hours while authorities allegedly ransacked their home.
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At the end of the ordeal, they were allowed to leave the car, but their hibiscus plants were confiscated.
"I'm starting to understand why a lot of the public do not trust police officers," Audrey Cramer told WTAE. "I really feel like I've been smacked in the face with this, and no, I don't think I'll ever trust a police officer again."
Making matters worse, less than a week later the Cramers say they received a notice from Nationwide telling them that marijuana was found on their property and if they didn't remove it, the company would cancel their policy.
