Alexander V. Wade

On March 11, 2024, the Michigan jury delivered the verdict in favor of Defendant Dattahn Jamal Wade in a lawsuit alleging excessive use of force under the Fourth Amendment and state law claims of assault and battery.

Case Background

On October 02, 2021, Plaintiff Isaac Alexander filed a lawsuit against a Detroit officer, Dattahn Jamal Wade, before the United States District Court, Michigan Eastern, Detroit. The case was assigned to District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds and referred to Magistrate Judge Anthony P. Patti. [Case number: 2:21cv12369]

Cause

On October 10, 2018, Isaac Alexander and his fiancée, Star Rivers, were in Wayne County, Detroit, Michigan. They were sitting in his car when she became upset after finding another woman’s earrings. Rivers then threw water at him and he got out to calm her and avoid attracting neighbors’ attention. They got into a tussle and fell onto the vacant lot near her home. During the struggle, her firearm fell from her holster. She reached for it, but he grabbed it first to prevent her from using it. Right then, off-duty Detroit police officer Dattahn Jamal Wade arrived and instructed him to drop the firearm. Although he complied immediately, Wade still shot him in the right leg, shattering his femur bone.

Injury

Allegedly, as a result of Defendant’s negligent use of excessive force, he destroyed Plaintiff’s femur. Consequently, the Plaintiff required emergency reconstructive surgery. They inserted a steel rod in his right leg and used pins to connect it to his hip because his femur was completely shattered. As a result, the Plaintiff’s ability to walk and run was drastically altered. He needed physical therapy and used a cane to stabilize his balance. He also suffered continuous aches and pains while sleeping and during weather changes.

Damages

The Plaintiff requested $1.5 million in compensatory damages for excessive force, assault and battery, and gross negligence. Additionally, he demanded $500,000 in punitive damages.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff: Isaac Alexander
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Ronnie E. Cromer, Jr.
  • Defendant: Dattahn Jamal Wade
    • Counsel for Defendant: Alfred Ashu | Krystal A. Crittendon | Philip J. Hiltner | Sarah V. Domin

Claims

The Plaintiff claimed that the Defendant had violated his 4th Amendment right by using excessive force. Although the Plaintiff immediately complied with the instruction to drop the firearm, the Defendant still shot him. Furthermore, Plaintiff claimed assault and battery because Defendant had no legitimate reason to shoot him. He also alleged gross negligence and requested punitive damages for the Defendant’s indifference and recklessness.

Defense

The Defendant denied all allegations of excessive use of force, negligence, assault, and battery against him. By way of special and affirmative defenses, the Defendants claimed that any injuries or damages suffered by the Plaintiff were a result of their own wrongful acts or resistance to law enforcement, not due to any unlawful actions by the Defendants. According to the public duty doctrine, the Defendant did not have a legal obligation to the Plaintiff. He requested the Court to enter a judgment of no cause of action and to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice and cost and attorney fees to be awarded.

Jury Verdict

On March 11, 2024, the Michigan jury returned a defense verdict. The jury found Defendant Dattahn Jamal Wade not liable for assault, battery, and excessive use of force. No damages were awarded to Plaintiff.

On March 12, 2024, consistent with the verdict, District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds entered a judgment in favor of the Defendant.

Court Documents:

Available upon request