$80k Verdict Against Fort Wayne Police Officer for False Arrest of Innocent Bystander During BLM Protest

Williams V. Fort Wayne City Of Et Al

Case Background

On February 23, 2022, Lucas Williams filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging false arrest and use of excessive force. Williams went to downtown Fort Wayne to witness the chaotic events surrounding the Black Lives Matter protests at Friemann Square. However, he recognized that the situation was becoming unruly and turned back before reaching the square. Despite this, a Fort Wayne police officer mistakenly identified him as a violent protester. As a result, Williams, an innocent bystander, was roughly arrested without any probable cause. The case was filed in the United States District Court, Indiana Northern, and Chief Judge Holly A Brady presided over the case. [Case number: 1:22cv61]

Cause

On the evening of May 30, 2020, Lucas Williams, then 19, traveled to Fort Wayne with three friends. They wanted to witness the unfolding events of the George Floyd and BLM protests, which had turned chaotic in many areas, including Fort Wayne. Protesters had gathered at Friemann Square, and Williams, who held no political motivations, simply wanted to observe. As he neared the square, he realized the atmosphere was escalating into chaos, with tear gas visible in the air. Concerned about the situation, Williams and his friends decided to leave before reaching the square. At that moment, Officer Boyce Ballinger was managing the scene. He had received a description of a rioter whom the police were pursuing. Mistaking Williams for this individual, Ballinger believed he had found the suspect. As Williams walked away, Ballinger all