BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Bellingham and several of its employees, alleging unlawful seizure and destruction of a motorhome. The plaintiffs, Jerry and Terri-Lynn Land, assert that city officials improperly classified their motorhome as a “junk vehicle,” leading to its removal without due process.
Jerry and Terri-Lynn Land resided in their motorhome for several years before it was taken in 2023. The couple claims city employees did not verify the operability of the vehicle prior to its designation as junk, denying them a chance to contest this ruling. The motorhome was towed from its parking spot on Stuart Road and later destroyed.
Court documents reveal that Jerry Land, a disabled Army veteran reliant on supplemental oxygen, faced a life-threatening situation when his oxygen equipment was also removed during the destruction of the motorhome. The couple emphasizes that they were not given a fair opportunity to respond to the city’s actions.
According to the Lands, when they received notice of the motorhome’s impending removal, police advised them to seek alternate housing rather than allowing them to relocate the vehicle. The couple contends that this response further denied them their rights, violating their due process protections under the law.
In their complaint, the Lands seek damages for the loss of their property along with compensation for what they describe as violations of their constitutional rights. They maintain that the city’s actions have had significant personal impacts, particularly in light of Mr. Land’s health needs.
As the lawsuit progresses, the outcomes may hinge on whether the city followed proper legal procedures in handling the motorhome’s seizure and destruction. This case highlights broader issues concerning vehicle impoundment practices and the rights of individuals facing similar situations.
The lawsuit has drawn attention to how local authorities manage vehicles, particularly those belonging to marginalized populations. As the Lands pursue justice for their situation, the implications of this case will likely resonate with many living in vulnerable circumstances.
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