Frazier v. Snider et al

On April 12, 2023, Darnell Frazier was subjected to a traffic stop by Brookhaven Police Officer David Snider for an alleged window tint violation. Officer Snider forcibly pulled Frazier from his vehicle, threw him to the ground, and deployed a taser while he was pinned, causing a fractured orbital bone and other injuries requiring hospitalization. The incident was partially recorded on body-worn camera footage. Frazier filed a federal lawsuit asserting excessive force, false arrest, and municipal liability under Section 1983. The City of Brookhaven and unidentified officers were also named as defendants. The case highlighted the use of violent tactics during minor infractions and led to a confidential settlement in early 2024.

The parties reached a confidential settlement in February 2024. Although liability was not admitted, the City of Brookhaven agreed to pay approximately $425,000 to resolve all claims. Officer Snider was reassigned to administrative duties pending an internal affairs investigation.

Whether Officer Snider's use of force was objectively unreasonable and constituted excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment; whether the City of Brookhaven maintained a custom or policy of inadequate training that directly caused the constitutional deprivation.

The release of body camera footage prompted local protests and amplified demands for police reform in Brookhaven. The city council subsequently passed an ordinance prohibiting arrests and physical force for non-moving equipment violations. The police department accelerated the implementation of mandatory de-escalation training and updated its body-worn camera release policy to improve transparency.