Boardman man sues over arrest during abortion clinic protest

A Boardman man arrested late last year for using a megaphone during a pro-life protest outside a Cuyahoga Falls abortion clinic has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and two police officers.

Zachary Knotts and his wife, Lindsay Knotts, filed the complaint in federal court against the City of Cuyahoga Falls, Officer Dylan Paratore, and Officer Bradford Dobney.

The lawsuit stems from a Dec. 28, 2024, incident when Zachary Knotts was arrested for disorderly conduct after using a battery-powered megaphone to protest abortions outside the Northeast Ohio Women's Center on State Road in Cuyahoga Falls. According to the complaint, the charge was later dismissed in Stow Municipal Court on May 9.

The Knotts alleged that the Cuyahoga Falls ordinance regulating amplified speech is unconstitutional, arguing it contains unconstitutional exemptions that favor certain organizations while discriminating against individuals exercising their First Amendment rights. They also claim the ordinance is unconstitutionally vague, leading to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.

The complaint states that during the protest, abortion clinic escorts used kazoos and whistles to try and drown out Knotts' amplified message. Despite other individuals making noise, only Zachary Knotts was cited and arrested. The lawsuit further alleges that police seized Knotts' megaphone during the arrest, even though the officers did not personally witness him using it.

The Knotts contend that the city and officers engaged in discrimination, targeting their pro-life speech while allowing comparable or louder noise from those with opposing viewpoints. They assert that the city's actions have caused them emotional distress and chilled their constitutionally protected speech.

The couple is seeking relief to prevent further violations of what they say are their constitutional rights, along with monetary damage.

Neither the city nor the officers named in the lawsuit have filed a response to the complaint. Cuyahoga Falls law director Janet Ciotola responded to a request for comment by saying she cannot comment due to ongoing litigation.