A federal lawsuit claims that an eight-year-old special needs student was subjected to unreasonable physical force by a local police officer during an incident at his elementary school, raising questions about law enforcement conduct toward children with disabilities. The complaint was filed on March 2, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan by J.E., through his next friend Kristen Eagle, against Anthony Wood and the Village of Ubly.
According to the filing, the incident occurred on or about May 1, 2024, at Ubly Elementary School. The complaint states that Anthony Wood, identified as a police officer assigned to the Village of Ubly Police Department, responded to a situation involving J.E., who was described as a distressed young student in a “suspension room” within the school office. The lawsuit alleges that Officer Wood “used unreasonable and wholly unnecessary physical force against Plaintiff,” stating he “forced [Plaintiff] over to a corner wall” before grabbing and holding him. The document further claims that Officer Wood then took J.E. to his squad car and transported him to the police department.
The complaint asserts that no body camera footage was retained from the incident by either defendant. It also states that J.E. was not committing any crime at the time and did not pose a danger to himself or others: “The eight-year-old Plaintiff did not pose a danger to himself, Defendant WOOD, nor anyone else.” Additionally, it is alleged that there was no cause or probable reason for believing J.E. had committed or would commit any crime.
Plaintiff’s attorneys argue that these actions violated J.E.’s constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment as applied through the Fourteenth Amendment. Specifically, they claim Officer Wood seized and detained J.E. without probable cause and used excessive force: “Defendant WOOD violated Plaintiff’s clearly established and federally protected rights…by seizing/arresting/imprisoning Plaintiff in the complete absence of probable cause…and using unreasonable and/or excessive force against Plaintiff.” The suit maintains that these actions resulted in significant injuries and damages to J.E.
In addition to allegations against Officer Wood individually, the lawsuit accuses the Village of Ubly of failing to properly train or supervise its law enforcement officers regarding reasonable searches and seizures and interactions with students with mental or emotional disorders. The complaint outlines several alleged deficiencies including failure “to adequately train and/or supervise its law enforcement officers so as to prevent violations of citizen’s constitutional rights” and failure “to develop, implement, train its officers in…adequate policies…regarding its officers’ interactions with students…suffering mental and/or emotional…disorders.” According to plaintiff’s counsel, these customs or practices amounted to deliberate indifference toward constitutional rights.
The legal action seeks compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $75,000 exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. §1983. Plaintiffs also request attorney fees pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1988. A demand for trial by jury has been made.
Attorneys Christopher J. Trainor (P42449), Amy J. Derouin (P70514), and Jonathan A. Abent (P78149) of Christopher Trainor & Associates represent the plaintiff in this case (Case No: 4:26-cv-10715-FKB-PTM).
Source: 426cv10715_JE_v_Anthony_Wood_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
