TENNESSEE DRIVER SUES STATE TROOPERS FOR $1 MILLION OVER WRONGFUL DUI ARREST
October 2, 2024
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE: A shocking case of alleged police misconduct has unfolded in Tennessee, where a driver is suing two state troopers for $1 million after being wrongfully arrested and detained for driving under the influence (DUI).
Thomas Manis, 32, was pulled over by Trooper Riley Shreiner on December 29, 2023, on U.S. 411 in Monroe County. Shreiner cited the tint on Manis' windows as being too dark, an allegation Manis disputes.
Body camera footage obtained by this reporter reveals a disturbing sequence of events. Shreiner shared Manis' name with Officer William Yates-Matoy, who claimed to know Manis' brother and "guaranteed" that Manis had weed in his vehicle. This unsubstantiated assertion led to further interrogation, despite Manis passing field sobriety tests and showing no signs of intoxication.
"I was shocked and scared," Manis said in an exclusive interview. "I knew I hadn't done anything wrong."
Manis' mother, Angela, arrived at the scene, questioning the arrest and affirming her son's sobriety. "Why is my son being arrested?" she asked Shreiner. "He hasn't been drinking." Shreiner responded, "For driving under the influence, ma'am."
Later tests confirmed no drugs or alcohol were in Manis' system, and charges were dropped in April.
Manis' attorney stated, "This is a clear case of police misconduct. We will hold these officers accountable for their actions." The lawsuit claims the Tennessee Highway Patrol has a culture of violating civil rights, with officers protecting each other when violations occur.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has not commented on the lawsuit. Local residents expressed outrage, calling for accountability.
"This is outrageous," said Jane Doe. "We need to hold our law enforcement accountable."
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