Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Detroit Woman Shot in Traffic Stop Sues City and Officer for $25 Million

The filing cites video evidence as proof that department policy was violated.

Overview

  • Tracey Allen filed a federal civil-rights complaint naming Detroit Police Officer Zachary Melvin and the city, seeking $25 million in damages.
  • Her attorney, Maurice Davis, unveiled the suit at a Thursday press conference after filing Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
  • The complaint says Allen was pepper-sprayed during an October 2025 stop, then boxed in by police vehicles and shot six times as she drove away at low speed.
  • Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison previously said video showed policy violations, including boxing in a vehicle and firing at a moving car.
  • Melvin was placed on leave and later suspended without pay, and the Michigan State Police were asked to investigate, while DPD declined comment on the pending case.