Detroit woman shot six times by police files $25M lawsuit against officer, city

A Detroit woman who was shot six times during a traffic stop last fall has filed a lawsuit against a police officer and the city for $25 million, alleging excessive force and multiple violations of department policy.

The lawsuit stems from the Oct. 26, 2025, shooting of 39‑year‑old Tracey Allen near Eight Mile and Van Dyke, according to Fox 2 Detroit.

Detroit Police Traffic Stop Ends in Gunfire, Lawsuit

Police said Allen was pulled over for:

• speeding
• illegally tinted windows
• an obstructed license plate.

She disputed the reason for the stop and asked for a supervisor, but a supervisor was not called. Allen said she feared for her life and dialed 911 while still pulled over, telling reporters she stayed on the phone with the dispatcher throughout the encounter.

Encounter Escalates as Backup Arrives

The situation escalated quickly once additional officers arrived. According to police and Allen’s account, the sequence unfolded as follows:

• Allen remained on the phone with 911 after telling the officer she feared for her safety.
• The officer called for backup while she was still pulled over.
• When backup arrived, officers opened Allen’s door and attempted to remove her from the vehicle.
• She was pepper‑sprayed, closed the door, and drove away.
• Allen said she was trying to reach a police station and stayed on the phone with 911 as she left.
• Officers pursued her for about a mile before boxing in her vehicle with patrol cars.
• Police ordered her to exit the vehicle.
• Allen shook her head no and continued moving toward the station.
• Officers then fired multiple shots at her vehicle, striking her six times in the arms and legs.

“I thought I was going to die,” Allen said during a press conference announcing the lawsuit.

Chief Says Bodycam Footage Contradicted Initial Reports

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison ordered Allen released from jail days after the shooting, saying body‑worn camera footage did not match what he had initially been told. He said several department policies were violated, beginning with the officer’s failure to call a supervisor after Allen requested one.

Under department rules, a supervisor must respond when a driver asks for one because the request counts as a citizen complaint. Bettison also said officers are not permitted to pursue vehicles for traffic violations.

“We will pursue individuals who have committed violent crimes only,” Bettison said. “As officers, we are trained to de‑escalate situations. Failing to request a supervisor when one is requested falls in line with a citizen complaint.”

He added that officers should discharge their firearms only in extreme circumstances when someone’s life is in immediate danger.

Officer Zachary Melvin, who fired the shots, was suspended without pay after the incident and remains suspended, according to the department.

Detriot Police, City Lawsuit Alleges Excessive Force

Allen’s attorney, Maurice Davis, said his client posed no physical threat during the encounter and argued that the shooting was unjustified. He said the lawsuit seeks accountability from both Melvin and the city, which trained and employed him.

“This case is not about being anti‑police. It’s about accountability,” Davis said.

Davis said the federal lawsuit was filed Wednesday and that he expects the officer and the city to be served in the coming days.