Cincinnati city officials have settled with the real estate agent and prospective buyer who were handcuffed and accused of breaking and entering a listing via lockbox.

Real estate pro Jerry Isham and his client Anthony Edwards had filed a lawsuit in federal court last week over the wrongful arrests that occurred on Nov. 17, 2018.

The men were arrested after a retired Cincinnati police officer had called 911 to report that “two black males forced the front [of the home] open.” The home was on the market for sale in the West Price Hill neighborhood.

The men allege that police came to the house, ordered them out by gunpoint, and handcuffed them. The City of Cincinnati has now issued an apology. Cincinnati City Manager Patrick Duhaney said in a statement: “The city regrets this extremely unfortunate and unnecessary situation. Mr. Isham and Mr. Edwards did nothing wrong. … We sincerely apologize.”

The city has agreed to pay the men $151,000 as part of a settlement. Duhaney also added that “voluntary training” of his employees with the local board of REALTORS® would be made available to avoid such situations from happening in the future.

Source: City Apologizes, Pays $151K to Agent, Buyer for False Arrest | Realtor Magazine