Dailen Brewer, an 18-year-old, filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Indianapolis and Sgt. Robyn Frazier after four felony counts — including a Level 1 attempted murder charge — were dropped when body-camera footage failed to support the officer's account. Brewer was held for four days because he could not post bond on the attempted murder charge. The complaint alleges the officer fabricated evidence and violated Brewer's Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights; he seeks compensatory and punitive damages. Attorney Terrance Kinnard says the footage shows Brewer and a passenger with hands raised and hopes the suit enforces police accountability.
Body-Cam Clears 18-Year-Old Of Attempted Murder; He Now Sues Indianapolis And An Officer
Body Camera Footage Clears Black Teen Of Attempted Murder — Now He’s Suing Indianapolis And An Officer
An 18-year-old Indianapolis resident has filed a federal lawsuit after felony charges — including a Level 1 attempted murder count — were dropped when body-camera footage did not support an officer's account.
What Happened
Dailen Brewer, who is Black, was stopped by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Sgt. Robyn Frazier on April 12 at Riverside Park. Prosecutors later charged Brewer with four felonies, including attempted murder, resisting law enforcement while drawing a deadly weapon, intimidation of a public servant and two counts of pointing a firearm. Because the attempted murder allegation is a Level 1 felony, Brewer was unable to post bond and remained in custody at the Marion County Adult Detention Center for four days until a deputy prosecutor dismissed the charges on the evening of April 16, 2026.
The Lawsuit
On July 20, Brewer, represented by attorney Terrance Kinnard, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division. The suit alleges Sgt. Frazier fabricated evidence and made false statements in a sworn probable-cause affidavit, leading to Brewer's arrest and prosecution. It further claims violations of Brewer's Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights for arresting him without probable cause.
Body-Camera Footage And Disputed Accounts
According to the complaint and local reporting, prosecutors reviewed body-camera footage that did not corroborate the officer's version of events and dismissed all charges. The complaint says Brewer was lawfully transporting firearms when he entered the park and that, at the time of the encounter, he and a front-seat passenger had their hands raised. The officer's sworn statement reportedly said Brewer pointed a revolver at her, a claim Brewer denies.
"Within about a minute, they're approached by a female officer who's giving loud commands. As she does, Mr. Brewer and his companion both raise their hands, literally touching the ceiling inside the vehicle," Kinnard told WTHR. "Not only did it cause him to be arrested and spend all of that time in jail, but you also literally put this man's entire life in jeopardy. Because without that camera, who knows what the outcome of this case would have been."
Claims And Relief Sought
Brewer's complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, court costs and other relief. It alleges the arrest and prosecution deprived him of liberty, caused emotional distress and humiliation, harmed his reputation and led to lost employment and business opportunities.
Reactions And Next Steps
Kinnard said he hopes the lawsuit will encourage accountability when officers make false allegations. The case now moves through the federal court system, where the complaint's allegations will be evaluated and litigated. As this is an active civil and potential criminal matter, no determination of guilt or liability has been made beyond the dismissal of criminal charges.
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