Derrick Lawrence, et al. vs. Trees N Trends

Derrick Lawrence and Kim Lawrence ("Plaintiffs") sued Trees-N-Trends (the "Store") alleging outrageous conduct and/or negligent infliction of emotional distress. While Plaintiffs were shopping at the Store, a customer reported to the Store's manager that Plaintiffs had a gun and intended to commit a robbery. The Store's assistant manager, Whitney Finnell ("Finnell"), called 911 indicting there was a possible armed robbery but then clarifying that the report was based solely on information provided by a customer. Plaintiffs purchased some items and were confronted by police officers as they exited the store, made to lie on the pavement, and were handcuffed while the officers ascertained whether Plaintiffs were armed. Plaintiffs were not armed. The Trial Court granted summary judgment to the Store, and Plaintiffs appeal claiming there are genuine issues of material fact. We affirm.