From [HERE] A Black man is suing the city's police department for negligence and brutality after smashing his car window during a routine traffic stop off the 805 freeway in Southcrest.

He served nearly a decade for conspiracy to commit murder. That charge was overturned, but is currently still on his record. He says that, in addition to his skin color, has made him a target.

On May 9, 2024, San Diego Police Officers pulled over 31-year-old Nicholas Hoskins for not making a complete stop at an intersection. 

Within minutes, six police cruisers arrived at the scene. Officers immediately demanded to search Hoskins' vehicle. It was the fourth time police stopped Hoskins in 14 months.

Hoskins immediately pressed record on his cellphone which was mounted on his dashboard.

Hoskins calmly told officers he was on his way to pick his son up from the bus stop. When officers insisted on searching his car, Hoskins requested to speak to the officer's supervisor.

"I was a black man, in the wrong neighborhood, at the wrong time, when they felt like abusing their power," Hoskins said.

He is a San Diego native, father of two, friend to many and a construction worker who likes bowling and golf.

He asked officers, "What is the probable cause for a search?" An officer can be heard saying, "I'm going to break your window if you want to play this game?"

Hoskins tells the officer, "I just came from the park and I'm about to go pick up my son from school."

He's now accusing the San Diego Police Department of excessive force, an illegal search and an unlawful arrest.

"I'm a law abiding, tax paying citizen. I am not on paperwork or parole, I am not doing anything wrong," he added. "I feel racially profiled, demeaned, emasculated, the list goes on."

Hoskins says he stayed calm and complied, just to survive. 

They are accusing SDPD of racial profiling and say the goal of the lawsuit is accountability.

"The black community is being stopped at a higher rate, they're being searched at a higher rate, excessive force is being used at a higher rate," Angeles added.