Image Credit: Harrison Keely / CC
Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
A federal lawsuit filed against a Hamilton County school resource officer for allegedly using excessive force against a student has been dismissed.
The lawsuit was initially filed on behalf of Tauris Sledge, a former East Ridge High School student. Sledge was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after an altercation with SRO Tyler McRae.
Police records state that McRae was called to the gym after a dispute between Sledge and a school staff member. Sledge allegedly refused to participate in a kickball game organized by a coach, stating that he did not feel well. He later played basketball during his free period. When questioned by the coach about this, Sledge allegedly “puffed out his chest” and called the coach racist.
McRae entered the gym to find Sledge “loudly and aggressively” arguing with the coach in front of students and administrators. When school officials asked McRae to take Sledge to the office, Sledge refused to comply. He then struggled with McRae when the SRO attempted to arrest him for disorderly conduct.
The lawsuit claimed that McRae used excessive force during the arrest with video evidence showing McRae grabbing Sledge by the hair and his backpack while attempting to arrest him.
The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it could possibly be refiled in the future.
According to court records, Sledge pleaded guilty in September to one count of disorderly conduct stemming from the incident. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
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