Lawsuit: Indianapolis officer falsely accused teen 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 accusing 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 account.

Video Shows Brewer With Hands Raised

According to local outlet WTHR, Brewer drove into Riverside Park with a friend as police attempted to disperse a gathering. Officers said he entered through an exit lane near closing time. However, the lawsuit argues the entrance was not clearly marked and that no barriers indicated the lane was restricted.

As the encounter unfolded, Brewer had two legally owned firearms inside the 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 suggesting he pulled the trigger. Based on her statement, Brewer was arrested and booked on several felony charges.

Lawsuit: A Different Version Occurred

The lawsuit says body camera footage later revealed a sharply different sequence 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 also states Brewer never touched the revolver. It says the vehicle rolled forward only after Frazier opened the driver’s door, prompting Brewer to reach for the gearshift to stop the car. At that point, Frazier pointed her gun at Brewer and his passenger. Brewer then gets out of the vehicle without incident.

Case Dismissed

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

Before the dismissal, IMPD posted Frazier’s account on Facebook, describing the encounter as a dangerous confrontation involving a firearm pointed at an officer. The post praised officers’ actions but later drew criticism from commenters who questioned why the department did not correct the narrative or take the post down after the charges were dropped.

Officer’s Affidavit Called False

Brewer’s lawsuit centers on what it calls a false affidavit by Sgt. Frazier. In the sworn statement, she 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 footage contradicts her account and labels the allegation “fabricated.”

Civil Rights Claims Against City and Officer

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

According to the filing, Brewer suffered:

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

The lawsuit further claims the city continued publishing statements on social media portraying Brewer as someone who tried to shoot an officer even after prosecutors dismissed the case.

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 highlights the speed of the initial charges and the role of video evidence in challenging police narratives. Brewer seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees and other relief.