Rock Hill, South Carolina, January 17, 2026
A state Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit following a traffic stop arrest in Rock Hill. Judge G.D. Morgan ruled that law enforcement acted with reasonable cause during the 2021 arrest of Ricky Price, which uncovered drug paraphernalia and firearms. The incident garnered public attention after video footage of the arrest spread, leading to protests highlighting racial tensions in the community. While state-level actions have ceased, a federal lawsuit regarding civil rights violations remains pending.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – State Circuit Court Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Arising from 2021 Traffic Stop Arrest
Rock Hill, South Carolina – In a significant legal ruling this week, a state Circuit Court judge dismissed a lawsuit linked to a traffic stop arrest that occurred in Rock Hill in 2021. Circuit Court Judge G.D. Morgan concluded that law enforcement had reasonable cause for the stop of Ricky Price at a local gas station. The judge pointed to evidence that drug paraphernalia and firearms were discovered in Price’s vehicle, which were serious charges, albeit later dropped by prosecutors after Price had served four months in custody.
The incidents leading to the lawsuit gained media attention, notably after video footage circulated showing Ricky Price’s arrest alongside his brother, Travis Price. This footage revealed a tense confrontation at the gas station where Travis attempted to retrieve some items from Ricky’s vehicle. Subsequently, Travis was taken down by the officers while attempting to assist his brother, escalating the situation further.
Background of the Incident
The events of July 2021 did not only culminate in legal battles; they also sparked widespread protests across Rock Hill, some of which escalated into violence. The racial dynamics of the situation added to the community’s tension, as the Prices are Black and most of the officers involved were not. This incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened awareness around police-community relations, particularly in the wake of the George Floyd tragedy, stirring civic engagement and calls for reform.
Legal Developments
During the 2021 arrests, officers claimed that Travis Price interfered with police duties and assaulted them. While those charges against Travis were later dismissed, he proceeded to sue the Rock Hill Police and was awarded $500,000 in a ruling earlier this year. Meanwhile, the broader implications of the case continued to unfold. Ricky Price, in 2024, filed a federal lawsuit asserting that his civil rights were infringed upon due to racially motivated discrimination in his arrest.
Impact of Protests
The public reaction to the viral videos of the arrests led to three days of protests in Rock Hill, highlighting the community’s concerns over racial injustices and police conduct. Following these protests, officer Chris Moreno was terminated from the Rock Hill Police Department. Moreno was later acquitted of charges of third-degree assault and battery following a criminal trial but faced backlash from the community. His subsequent bid for a seat on the York County Council did not succeed.
Current Status of Lawsuits
As of now, Judge Morgan’s recent ruling indicating that the evidence viewed supported probable cause for the arrest puts a halt to any further state-level actions regarding Price’s claims. However, the door remains open as the federal lawsuit pursues a potential violation of civil rights, with U.S. District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis set to review the case. This decision could have vital implications for how law enforcement engages with communities and the necessary accountability measures that follow.
Conclusion
In light of the recent ruling and ongoing legal processes, the community of Rock Hill is reminded of the complexities surrounding law enforcement and civil rights issues. As citizens engage in these discussions, the emphasis on individual accountability, local leadership, and the importance of civic involvement will be crucial. Residents are encouraged to remain informed and active in their community, supporting initiatives aimed at justice and civic improvement within Rock Hill, SC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the outcome of the state Circuit Court lawsuit related to the 2021 traffic stop in Rock Hill?
In a ruling this week, Circuit Court Judge G.D. Morgan determined that police had reasonable cause to stop Ricky Price at a gas station minimart that summer. Judge Morgan supported his decision by citing that officers found drugs and firearms in Price’s car—charges for which he served four months before 16th Circuit Court prosecutors dropped the charges.
What events led to the protests in Rock Hill following the 2021 arrests?
Video of the arrests triggered protests – some of which turned violent – over three days in Rock Hill that summer. The Prices are Black and most of the officers at the scene of the incident were not; which led to high racial tensions a year following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
What is the status of the federal lawsuit filed by Ricky Price?
In 2024, Ricky Price filed a federal lawsuit claiming his civil rights were violated and that his and his brother’s arrests were racially motivated. Judge Morgan’s ruling that the evidence presented him “supports probable cause for the arrest” ends any further state action in Price’s case. But U.S. District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis will decide whether Price’s federal civil rights were violated and whether the case should move forward in federal court.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 2021 |
| Location | Rock Hill, South Carolina |
| Individuals Involved | Ricky Price, Travis Price, Rock Hill Police Department |
| Charges Against Ricky Price | Drugs and firearms possession |
| Outcome of State Charges | Dropped after four months |
| Outcome of State Lawsuit | Dismissed by Judge G.D. Morgan |
| Federal Lawsuit Status | Pending decision by U.S. District Court Judge Mary Geiger Lewis |
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