Black Navy Veteran Stands Firm: Arrested While Filming Police Run-In

Napoleon Jones experienced a controversial traffic stop in Wisconsin this year, initially recording from over thirty feet away before being approached by officer Brandon Shayhorn for “suspicious” activity. Although filming police in public is constitutionally protected, Jones, legally driving a new vehicle adorned with a temporary license plate, was unjustly detained for not having a front plate.After requesting a supervisor, which Shayhorn denied, Jones was forcibly removed from his car and taken into custody for resisting arrest. However, a supervisor later determined this detention was unlawful, resulting in his release without charges after five hours.On December 1, Jones filed a lawsuit against Shayhorn and deputy Brett Kromrey for violating his First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights, also alleging assault. The complaint notes Jones, a Navy veteran with PTSD, now requires psychiatric support due to the incident. Internal memos revealed the traffic stop and subsequent actions were inappropriate, highlighting a troubling pattern of retaliatory behavior by authorities.