Rougeau v. Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.

Rougeau (plaintiff), a guard and fireman at Firestone's (defendant) plant, was suspected of stealing lawn mowers, and after refusing a home search on his attorney's advice, was asked to wait in the plant's guardhouse while a search of the area was conducted. Two guards were told to keep Rougeau in the guardhouse, but Rougeau left after about 30 minutes when he fell ill, and he sued for false imprisonment; the trial judge denied recovery.