Man Who Was Tased By A Cop For The Crime Of Changing His Tire Sues For 20 Million Dollars

A man who was twice Tased by a police officer during a roadside encounter has filed a $20 million federal lawsuit, alleging excessive force, racial profiling and malicious prosecution following an incident that went viral online.

Micah Washington is suing the City of Reform and police officer Dana Elmore over a 2023 confrontation that unfolded while he was changing a flat tire near his aunt’s home.

According to the lawsuit, Officer Elmore approached Washington as he worked on his vehicle and demanded identification. When Washington questioned why he was required to provide ID, the situation escalated. The filing claims Elmore deployed her Taser on Washington twice, including a second shock while he was already handcuffed and leaning over the hood of her patrol car.

Washington was arrested and charged with obstructing governmental operations and resisting arrest. Police also alleged they discovered a seven-gram bag that field-tested positive for fentanyl, a claim that further intensified the case against him.

However, subsequent laboratory testing later confirmed that the substance was not an illegal drug. Prosecutors ultimately dismissed all charges against Washington.

In his complaint, Washington alleges his constitutional rights were violated and that the stop was motivated by racial profiling. He is seeking financial damages for physical injuries, emotional distress and the legal consequences stemming from the arrest.

The lawsuit comes amid ongoing national scrutiny over police use of force and the reliability of field drug tests, particularly in cases that result in high-profile arrests later proven to be unfounded. The city and the officer have not yet publicly responded to the filing.