MONTGOMERY, Ala. — An individual from Alabama has initiated a federal civil rights lawsuit seeking $20 million, alleging that a police officer excessively used a Taser on him while he was compliant and handcuffed.
The lawsuit revolves around an incident involving Micah Washington, 25, who was reportedly changing a flat tire near a relative’s home in Pickens County when he and a companion were approached by a police officer from Reform. A video capturing the situation shows Washington already in handcuffs and appears to depict him informing Officer Dana Elmore about a firearm in his possession. After retrieving the weapon, Officer Elmore allegedly Tased Washington in the back.
During the exchange, it seems that Elmore asked, “Do you want it again?” before using profanity and instructing Washington to remain silent. Washington expressed that this encounter has instilled a lasting fear when he sees police officers, stating, “I don’t want to be scared or anything like that, but that’s just the first thing that comes to mind now.”
The lawsuit alleges excessive force, deliberate indifference, wrongful detainment, and malicious prosecution against both Officer Dana Elmore and her husband, former Pickens County Sheriff’s Deputy Jody Elmore, with the city of Reform also named as a defendant. Those bringing the lawsuit include Washington’s 16-year-old brother, who recorded the viral footage, and Jacorien Henry, who was present with Washington at the time.
Washington’s attorney, Kristen Gochett, noted that the video was instrumental in the decision to file the lawsuit, emphasizing, “Micah Washington’s case is common, but it’s not always captured.” In response to the incident, Mayor Melody Davis of Reform and Police Chief Richard Black confirmed that Officer Elmore has been placed on leave without pay, while Jody Elmore has departed from the sheriff’s department.
As of now, there is no attorney listed for either of the Elmores, and inquiries for comments from the city of Reform and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Department remained unanswered as of Wednesday morning. Washington faces charges of obstructing governmental operations, resisting arrest, and marijuana possession, and is currently waiting for a decision from a grand jury regarding his case. His legal team has claimed that the marijuana was planted by one of the officer’s involved in his arrest.
Richard Rice, a Birmingham-based civil rights attorney representing Washington and the families of two other men who died following confrontations with law enforcement in the area, contends that Washington’s experience points to a larger issue. He articulated, “These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a troubling pattern of misconduct.”
