A routine traffic stop turned into a legal battle as a Pennsylvania man alleges police misconduct and excessive force. Alpheaus Smith filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on June 13, 2024, against two state troopers, Samantha Thompson and Noah Sims.
According to the complaint, Smith was driving on Route 65 in Rochester, Pennsylvania, around 11 p.m. on July 11, 2022, when he was pulled over by Thompson and Sims. The officers claimed that Smith's headlights were malfunctioning—a claim he disputes. "Plaintiff was not speeding, driving erratically or otherwise acting in an unlawful or improper manner," the document states. Smith explained that recent electrical work on his vehicle might have affected the headlights but was unaware of any issues at that time.
The situation escalated quickly when Sims allegedly reached into Smith's vehicle and grabbed his dashboard without provocation. Smith complied with their orders to exit the vehicle but denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when questioned by the officers. Despite his assertions and a severe leg injury that made it difficult for him to walk straight, Thompson and Sims handcuffed him aggressively, causing swelling and bruising on his wrists.
Smith claims that even though he posed no immediate threat to anyone's safety, the officers forcefully shoved him into their police car, exacerbating his leg injury and causing extreme pain. He was then transported to Beaver Medical Center where he underwent drug and alcohol testing—both of which came back negative—and received x-rays for his injuries.
In addition to physical harm, Smith alleges emotional trauma from humiliating comments made by Thompson during his detention. The complaint details how she mocked him by asking loudly if he was about to "shit himself," which Smith believes was intended to harass and humiliate him further.
Smith is seeking compensatory general damages for physical pain, emotional suffering, economic losses related to consequential costs, as well as punitive damages against both officers for what he describes as willful and reckless disregard for his rights. The lawsuit cites violations under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution concerning excessive force.
Represented by attorneys Joel S. Sansone, Massimo A. Terzigni, and Elizabeth A. Tuttle from the Law Offices of Joel Sansone in Pittsburgh, Smith demands a jury trial for this case identified as Civil Action No. 2:24-cv-861-RJC.