Two Idaho Springs police officers have been sued by a deaf man who was violently arrested for allegedly not understanding their commands.
In the aftermath of the incident, which was reported on Sept. 17, 2019, Brady Mistic claims that he was wrongfully held for four months. Before pulling into the parking lot of a local laundry, he reportedly ran a stop sign. Miristic was not aware that Officers Ellie Summers and Nicholas Hanning were following him in the parking lot as he used sign language to communicate. Upon exiting his vehicle, he walked towards the laundromat. The claim stated, “As Mr. Mistic exited his car and crossed between the police vehicle and the trashcan, towards the laundry door, the police vehicle lights and/or a spotlight flashed at him.” He had no clue what was going on, what the police were doing, or whether their presence was related to him.
In the aftermath of his alleged defiance, Misti stopped walking and approached the police using sign language. The deaf man’s head hit the concrete as a result of Hanning grabbing his shirt and throwing him on the ground without warning or communication.
During the course of the incident, defendant Hanning pushed Mistic to the ground on his back. In an attempt to indicate that he wanted no harm to come to him and that he was not threatening the officer, Mistic put his hands out with palms facing Hanning. The defendant attached herself to the ground, immediately grabbing Mr. Mistic. Her Taser was drawn, and she shocked Mr. Mistic.”
Mistic kept urging officers to listen to him by saying, “no ears,” but they ignored him. Mistic was tasered a second time by Officer Summers.
According to an online statement from Idaho Springs Police, the officers accused Mistic of resisting the officers and having a physical struggle after he was given orders verbally.
There is a complaint against Summers, Hanning, the Board of Commissioners of Clear Creek County, and the City of Idaho Springs. In addition to monetary damages, Misty is seeking pain and suffering damages as well.
