A Black former Marine and licensed security professional is suing the City of San Diego and two police officers, alleging racial discrimination and civil rights violations after he was detained at gunpoint and later arrested for carrying a firearm he was legally permitted to possess.
The federal lawsuit, filed June 19 in U.S. District Court in California, centers on two traffic stops involving Hakimkhalfani Webb, 62, a Marine Corps veteran and owner of a security company. Webb says both encounters were unjustified and part of a broader pattern of racially biased policing.
Background
According to the complaint obtained by Atlanta Black Star, Webb served 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including three combat deployments. He has no criminal record and holds a valid Bureau of Security and Investigative Services permit to carry a firearm for work.
Webb alleges he was stopped, searched, and detained by San Diego police officers twice within less than a year, with the first stop leading to his arrest and the confiscation of his gun, despite its lawful ownership.
First Stop
The first incident occurred on June 14, 2025. Webb was driving home from a security job in San Diego with a legally owned and registered 9mm Glock pistol in his vehicle. He had recently replaced the front bumper on his work truck and had not yet reattached the front license plate, which was inside the cab.
Officers Michael Hagen and Adrian Villanueva initiated a traffic stop based on the missing plate. When officers noticed the firearm, both reportedly drew their weapons. Webb says he raised his hands, identified himself as a licensed security guard, and explained that the firearm was for work.
According to the lawsuit, Officer Hagen repeatedly told Webb he would shoot him. Webb says he remained compliant throughout the encounter.
Arrest
Police handcuffed Webb, placed him in a patrol vehicle, and asked for consent to search his truck. Webb refused, but officers searched the vehicle anyway and found nothing illegal.
Despite Webb’s claim that he had owned and registered the firearm since 2001 and was carrying a valid permit, officers arrested him for allegedly possessing an unregistered gun. He was cited for a misdemeanor, photographed, and released. No citation was issued for the missing license plate, but the firearm was seized.
Prosecutors later declined to pursue charges. The lawsuit states that by mid-September, the city knew the firearm had been properly registered all along and that the arrest stemmed from an officer’s failure to run the full serial number during the stop.
Financial Impact
Webb says the confiscation of his firearm affected his livelihood. Without his preferred handgun, he claims he was unable to bid on certain security contracts that required frequent vehicle entry and exit.
The city returned the firearm in December 2025 after Webb paid $40 in fees.
Second Stop
On Jan. 23, 2026, Webb formally requested that the city seal and destroy records related to the June arrest. The following day, he says he noticed Officer Villanueva’s patrol vehicle in South San Diego.
According to the lawsuit, Villanueva followed Webb and pulled him over after alleging he rolled through a stop sign. Webb maintains he came to a complete stop. Despite complying with all instructions, he was ordered out of his vehicle, handcuffed, placed in a patrol car, and photographed from multiple angles.
Webb was held for about 30 minutes, surrounded by additional officers, and then released without a citation.
Data Cited
The lawsuit relies in part on data collected under California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Act. That data shows Black drivers accounted for approximately 14.13 percent of vehicle stops in San Diego between November 2023 and May 2026, while making up about 5.6 percent of the city’s population.
By comparison, white residents represented about 34.5 percent of stops while accounting for 40.9 percent of the population. The data also indicates Black drivers were more likely to have property searched and to be photographed during stops.
Legal Claims
Webb’s lawsuit accuses the city and the two officers of unlawful search and seizure, warrantless arrest, discriminatory treatment, and negligent handling of his property. It also alleges the police department failed to properly train and supervise officers to prevent race-based policing.
He is seeking a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages, and a court order aimed at curbing race-based traffic stops within the San Diego Police Department.
City Response
A spokesperson for the San Diego City Attorney’s Office declined to comment, citing pending litigation. The city and the officers have 21 days from being served to file a response in court.
Webb said he hopes the lawsuit leads to meaningful changes in policing practices. His attorney, Michele A. McKenzie, said the case is intended to push the city to adopt stronger oversight and limit pretextual traffic stops.
FAQs
Who is filing the lawsuit?
A former Marine and licensed security guard named Hakimkhalfani Webb.
Why was Webb arrested?
Police claimed his firearm was unregistered, though it was legally owned.
What happened to the criminal charges?
Prosecutors declined to pursue the case.
What data does the lawsuit cite?
RIPA data showing Black drivers are stopped at higher rates in San Diego.
What is Webb seeking in the lawsuit?
Damages, policy changes, and an end to race-based traffic stops.
