In a recent court filing in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Gwendolyn Wafford has brought a civil action against Flint Police Officer A. Stillwell. The lawsuit alleges that Officer Stillwell unlawfully seized and arrested Wafford, using excessive force during a political rally on June 1, 2025. The complaint, filed by attorney Tom R. Pabst on behalf of Wafford, seeks declaratory relief and monetary damages exceeding $100,000 for violations of her Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.
The incident reportedly occurred when Wafford was attending a protest against Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley’s handling of the city’s water crisis. According to the complaint, Officer Stillwell pulled over Wafford without probable cause, searched her publicly, handcuffed her, and detained her in his police car before releasing her without explanation or charges.
Wafford’s lawsuit claims that these actions constituted false imprisonment and assault and battery under state law while also infringing upon her First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for severe humiliation, emotional distress, pain and suffering, among other injuries.
Source: 425cv13584_Gwendolyn_Wafford_v_Flint_Police_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
