A man from North Carolina has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Spruce Pine and several officers after he was allegedly beaten, tased, and arrested while experiencing a medical emergency.
Dillon Ledford, who was a law enforcement officer at the time, claims that on February 16, 2024, he was denied medical assistance and subjected to excessive force by police officers, even though he was in severe distress due to a diabetic episode.
The Incident and Medical Emergency
On the evening of February 16, 2024, Ledford, around 30 years old, was driving home from visiting his girlfriend when he stopped at the Walmart in Spruce Pine to grab a snack.
He was experiencing a drop in his blood sugar, a common issue for those with diabetes, which he has had since childhood. After exiting the store, Ledford got into his car, feeling his condition worsen.
According to Ledford’s lawsuit, Walmart employees noticed him twitching and having difficulty communicating. They observed his “buggy eyes” and attempted to talk to him but received little response. Concerned, they called 911 for a welfare check.
Police Arrival and Excessive Force
At around 9:10 p.m., Officers Michael Sale, Dalton Mace, and Michael Hollifield arrived at the scene. When they approached Ledford’s car, he was nonverbal and in a medical state that required attention.
The lawsuit states that, despite the officers being able to provide medical help or call for assistance, they did neither. Instead, they allegedly informed Ledford that he was under arrest.
In what Ledford describes as a “three-on-one assault,” the officers physically removed him from his car and threw him to the ground. The lawsuit claims that no officer was in fear of harm at any point during the interaction.
Ledford, already struggling with his medical condition, was allegedly beaten while unable to comply with the officers’ orders. Officer Sale reportedly struck him at least 11 times, and Officer Hollifield is said to have tased him twice.
Despite the severity of Ledford’s condition, he was not taken to the hospital but instead to the Spruce Pine police headquarters.
The officers allegedly found nothing of concern in his car during a search. Ledford was later charged with second-degree trespassing and resisting a public officer, charges that were eventually dismissed eight months later.
Lawsuit and Allegations of Police Misconduct
In the lawsuit, Ledford accuses the officers of violating his constitutional rights, particularly his Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. He also claims that the officers’ actions were in violation of state and federal laws regarding the use of force.
The lawsuit highlights that police officers should not have used excessive force on someone in medical distress.
Additionally, Ledford targets the police department and its leadership, including Police Chief Kasey Cook, for inadequate training and supervision of the officers involved. He alleges that had the department investigated the incident properly, they would have discovered that the force used was excessive and unnecessary.
Impact on Ledford’s Life
At the time of the incident, Ledford had been a law enforcement officer with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, having served as a K-9 officer for three years. The charges against him resulted in personal and professional consequences, including loss of employment opportunities and harm to his reputation.
Ledford is now seeking damages for the physical, mental, and emotional injuries he suffered, as well as compensation for the reputational damage caused by the charges.
Police Response and Investigation
Local authorities, including Mitchell County District Attorney Seth Banks, found the officers’ failure to administer medical assistance concerning, but ultimately decided there was not enough evidence to press charges.
The Town of Spruce Pine has yet to respond in detail to the lawsuit, but town attorney officials have stated they will review the pleading once it is formally served.
This lawsuit brings attention to the issue of police misconduct during medical emergencies and the inappropriate use of force. Dillon Ledford’s case raises important questions about police training, accountability, and how officers should handle individuals in distress.
As the case moves forward, the outcome may have implications for similar future incidents.
