A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the city of Reform, Alabama, and two law enforcement officers after a viral video showed a police officer using a Taser on a man who was already handcuffed.
The lawsuit was filed by Micah Washington, who alleges that the use of force during his December 2, 2023, arrest violated his constitutional rights.
Washington is seeking $20 million in damages, claiming the incident involved excessive force, unlawful arrest, and malicious prosecution.
According to the complaint, Washington had pulled over near a relative’s home in Reform, Alabama, to address a flat tire when an officer approached and began questioning him.
Body camera footage and bystander video that later circulated widely online appear to show Washington already in handcuffs when the officer pressed a Taser against his back and discharged it.
In the video, the officer can also be heard asking Washington if he “wants it again,” a moment that drew widespread criticism after the footage spread across social media.
Washington’s lawsuit names the city of Reform, police officer Dana Elmore, and former Pickens County sheriff’s deputy Jody Elmore as defendants. The complaint alleges the officers used unnecessary force and later pursued criminal charges that Washington’s attorneys say were unfounded.
Washington was initially arrested on several charges, including a drug trafficking allegation. However, at least one major charge was later dropped after testing reportedly showed that a substance believed to be fentanyl was not an illegal drug.
Following the public backlash over the incident, Dana Elmore was placed on administrative leave while the case was reviewed. Jody Elmore, who was also involved in the incident, later lost his job with the sheriff’s department.
The federal lawsuit is currently ongoing. Washington’s attorneys argue the viral video clearly shows that he was compliant and restrained at the time the Taser was used, while the defendants are expected to contest the claims in court.
Civil rights advocates say the case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force during police encounters, particularly when individuals are already in custody.
No trial date has been announced as the legal proceedings continue in federal court.
Video Credit: abc3340.com
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