Video: Utah Troopers Sued Over Swallowed Evidence Arrest
A Utah private investigator has sued four Utah Highway Patrol troopers, claiming they used excessive force on him at a traffic stop after he swallowed a prescription pill.
A Utah private investigator has sued four Utah Highway Patrol troopers, claiming they used excessive force on him at a traffic stop after he swallowed a prescription pill.
Ronny Todd May was pulled over around 10 p.m. July 9 for following too closely and running a stop sign. May claims he was trying to help a female friend who was having car trouble, reports KSL.
The troopers pulled over May and encountered the woman, described in the trooper's report as a "known drug user," reports the Salt Lake Tribune. The troopers began searching for narcotics and asked May to take off his shoes.
May pulled a pill of prescription methamphetamine medication for narcolepsy from his shoe and swallowed it, which was captured by a trooper's cruiser cam.
One officer then tried to recover the pill and three others then tackled May. One trooper is seen punching May repeatedly. May was also TASERed repeatedly, he claims. Trooper Brandon Whitehead, who initially pulled May over, wrote in his report that May continued to resist, reports the Deseret News.
"I was concerned of the situation to such a degree that I radioed three separate times for additional officers to assist controlling the situation," Whitehead wrote. "During the ground fight, May had such a physical stamina and strength I was concerned and aware of the distinct likelihood he was in an excited delirium state."
The lawsuit seeks $250,000 in damages.
More Patrol
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Read More →
Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4
Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Read More →
Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Read More →
How are LE Boots Different for Women?
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
Read More →