Black teen sues city of Indianapolis and cop for falsely accusing him of attempted murder

INDIANAPOLIS — Dailen Brewer, an 18‑year‑old Black teen, has sued the City of Indianapolis and IMPD Sgt. Robyn Frazier, alleging she lied in a sworn affidavit that accused him of pointing a revolver at her during an April 12 encounter at Riverside Park. Prosecutors later dropped all charges after reviewing body‑camera footage that contradicted her claim.

Video Shows Brewer With Raised Hands

According to reports, the incident happened on April 12 when Brewer drove into Riverside Park with a friend in the passenger seat. Police said he entered through an exit lane near closing time, but his lawsuit claims there were no clear signs or barriers showing the entrance was blocked.

View this post on Instagram

Brewer had two legally owned firearms inside his vehicle: an AR‑style rifle and a revolver. Sgt. Frazier approached the car and claimed Brewer pointed the revolver at her and made a gesture that appeared as if he pulled the trigger.

Brewer was arrested and booked on several felony charges based on her account.

His lawsuit says body‑camera footage later showed a different version of events. According to the filing, the video shows Brewer with his hands raised while both firearms remained on the floor of the vehicle.

The lawsuit states Brewer never touched the revolver in front of Frazier. It also says the vehicle began rolling forward after Frazier opened the driver’s door, prompting Brewer to reach for the gearshift to put the car in park. Frazier then pointed her gun at Brewer and his passenger.

Prosecutors dismissed the case four days later after reviewing the footage. Brewer had already spent several days in jail without bond while facing charges that carried decades in prison.

Before the dismissal, IMPD shared Frazier’s account on Facebook, describing the incident as a dangerous encounter involving a firearm pointed at an officer. The post praised officers for their response but later drew criticism from commenters who questioned why the department did not issue a correction after the case was dropped.

Officer’s Affidavit Called False

In her affidavit, Sgt. Frazier claimed Brewer “appeared to be pointing a revolver” at her and that she saw “the barrel end of the revolver point in her direction.” The lawsuit says the body‑camera video disproves this and calls her account “fabricated.”

Civil Rights Claims Against City and Officer

Brewer’s lawsuit accuses Sgt. Frazier and the city of false arrest, fabricated evidence, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment and defamation. It alleges violations of his Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

According to the lawsuit, Brewer suffered:

• Loss of liberty
• Incarceration
• Emotional distress
• Humiliation
• Loss of reputation
• Attorney fees and expenses
• Other compensatory damages

The lawsuit also says the city continued publishing statements on social media portraying Brewer as someone who tried to shoot an officer even after charges were dismissed.

Attorney Condemns Officer’s Actions

Brewer’s attorney, Terrance Kinnard, told WTHR:

“Inventing false allegations against a law‑abiding citizen is certainly not acceptable by any standard.”

The lawsuit has drawn attention to the speed of the initial charges and the role of video evidence in correcting false claims. Brewer seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees and other relief.