DES MOINES, Iowa — A BLM activist filed a lawsuit against three Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) officers and the City of Des Moines for more than a dozen violations, including civil rights and excessive force allegations, after she was arrested during a George Floyd protests back in May.
One of the DMPD officers listed is Chief Dana Wingert.
In the early morning hours of May 31, officers with the DMPD arrested BLM activist Miranda Nicolai for protest-related crimes.
The Polk County Attorney dismissed those charges later due to lack of evidence provided by police.
Nicolai claimed police had no reason to arrest her, and when they did arrest her, she said they used excessive force.
"I just really hope that this can spark some change and something positive comes about it," Nicolai's attorney Ben Lynch said.
Court documents show 13 different ways Nicolai feels her rights were violated.
There are eight civil rights violations listed in total, including:
- Two Counts: Illegal Seizure
- Two Counts: Excessive Force
- Two Counts: Retaliation
- Two Counts: Deliberately Indifferent Policies, Practices, Customs, Training and Supervision
One count alleges a violation of Iowa's Constitution. The other alleges a violation of the U.S. Constitution.
The complaint also includes one count of assault and battery, one count of libel, one count of false arrest/imprisonment, one count of malicious prosecution and one count of intentional infliction of emotional distress.
"I think this lawsuit in one way is trying to compensate Miranda for the injuries and the trauma that she sustained, but in another way, it's kind of like a voice for other protesters and similarly situated people who have also experienced trauma in this way," Lynch said.
On the night of her arrest, the lawsuit says Nicolai was bruised and burned after being pepper-sprayed, slammed to the ground, beaten and zip-tied by officers.
"She was there peacefully protesting and later on in the night she was tackled and injured pretty severely by one of the officers," Lynch said.
Lynch said Nicolai hopes her lawsuit will bring change to policing in Des Moines.
"We would love to see some reform within the police department and how those assemblies are handled and the way that officers interact with people who are peacefully protesting," Lynch said.
DMPD told Local 5 they cannot comment on specific court cases.
The City also won't comment on the lawsuit because they haven't reviewed the litigation, yet.