Dailen Brewer, 18, filed a federal lawsuit on July 20, 2026, claiming Indianapolis police Sgt. Robyn Frazier’s body-camera footage contradicts her affidavit that he pointed a revolver at her. Brewer was jailed four days on attempted-murder and related charges that a Marion County prosecutor dismissed April 16 after reviewing the footage. The complaint alleges false arrest, fabricated evidence, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment and defamation and seeks compensatory and punitive damages. Brewer also alleges the city continued publishing statements that harmed his reputation after charges were dropped.
Black Teen Sues Indianapolis Police After Bodycam Appears to Contradict Officer’s Attempted-Murder Claim
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department cruiser. (Adobe Stock Image)
Dailen Brewer, 18, has filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit against Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sgt. Robyn Frazier and the City of Indianapolis after he spent four days in jail on an attempted-murder charge prosecutors later dropped.
What the Complaint Says
The complaint, filed July 20, 2026, alleges that Frazier’s body-worn camera footage contradicts her probable-cause affidavit claiming Brewer pointed a revolver at her during an April 12 encounter at Riverside Park. According to the filing, Brewer drove into the park with a passenger and lawfully owned firearms; two IMPD vehicles were near the entrance but not placed to indicate the park was blocked.
Account of the Encounter
The suit says Frazier followed Brewer to a parking spot, opened his driver’s door and that her bodycam showed Brewer with his hands raised while firearms remained on the car floor — including one between his legs. The complaint states the vehicle began rolling because it was still in gear; when Brewer reached to put it in park, Frazier drew her gun. He was arrested after stopping his movement.
Charges, Dismissal And Alleged Harm
Frazier’s probable-cause affidavit recommended charges including Level 1 felony attempted murder, resisting law enforcement, intimidation and pointing a firearm. Brewer was unable to post bond and was held until April 16, when a Marion County deputy prosecutor dismissed all charges after determining the bodycam footage did not support the affidavit.
Civil Claims: The federal complaint alleges false arrest, fabricated evidence, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment and defamation, and seeks compensatory and punitive damages. It also asserts violations of Brewer’s Fourth and 14th Amendment rights and several Indiana-law claims.
Brewer further alleges the City of Indianapolis continued publishing statements that portrayed him as trying to shoot an officer even after the dismissal; the complaint states those statements were still publicly available as of July 15. As of July 29, 2026, IMPD’s Facebook page reportedly still carried the officer’s version of events.
Next Steps
The lawsuit will proceed in federal court; it seeks accountability and damages for the time Brewer spent jailed and for reputational and employment harm he says resulted from the public statements.
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