EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Attorneys representing an Evansville family have announced plans to file a lawsuit seeking damages after alleging that local police officers forcibly removed their disabled child from his wheelchair during a traffic stop in July 2024.
The incident reportedly took place on July 19 when Brandon Howard, his wife Jessica Howard, and their minor child were stopped by Evansville police while driving through the city. According to legal representatives from Alvarez Legal, officers pulled the family over, surrounded them with weapons drawn, and detained them at gunpoint.
The family’s legal team asserts that their child, who they say has a disability, was ordered to exit the vehicle despite informing the officers that he could not walk. They claim that officers forcibly removed the child from his wheelchair, dragging him across the parking lot before shoving him into the back of a police cruiser.
The traffic stop was reportedly initiated based on the officers’ belief that the Howard family’s van was connected to a suspect who had violated probation. However, the family’s attorneys argue that this justification was unfounded, as their child’s disability was clearly visible, and the child’s inability to walk should have been taken into account.
Following the incident, the Howard family’s legal team states that their son suffered physical injuries, including abrasions and a cervical strain. They are now seeking compensation for these injuries and for what they describe as the traumatic experience.
In response to the allegations, the Evansville Police Department issued a statement indicating they could not comment on the matter due to the ongoing litigation.
The Howard family’s attorneys have stated they will continue to pursue legal action and are calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of the officers involved. As the case develops, more information will be made available.
