Written by Maurice Davis
Attorney Maurice Davis is representing Tracey Allen, a Detroit resident shot six times by police in October, 2025, in a lawsuit against the city of Detroit and one of the police officers involved in her shooting. Allen is seeking $25 million. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on Feb. 4.
Allen is seeking relief for physical and emotional trauma, medical expenses, and loss of income. The lawsuit also claims the responding officers used excessive and unconstitutionally deadly force while maintaining a pattern and practice of unconstitutional policing.
Davis & His Client Seek Accountability & Damages in Lawsuit
Attorney Davis and his client spoke with media on February 5, explaining why the suit was necessary to hold the city and its police department accountable for his client’s damages.
“The officer chose to use excessive force,” Davis said. “And that choice led to my client being shot six times… The law requires accountability and answers.”
Davis said his client survived, but she will have to live with the lifelong consequences of her shooting, including physical pain and trauma.
“I’d be lying if I said I was okay,” Allen told the media. “Mentally, I’m not. Physically, I’m not.”
The lawsuit also alleges that the police violated Allen’s rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth amendments, and accused the officer named in the suit of grossly negligent behavior, plus assault and battery.
Tracey Allen was Stopped for Traffic Violations
According to her, Allen was stopped by a Detroit police officer in October for her vehicle’s tinted windows and obscured license plate. The officer asked for her driver’s license and registration, which she was working on providing to officers. Fearing for her safety, Allen requested a supervisor respond to the stop, but that request was ignored. She called emergency dispatchers because she feared for her life. At the same time, the police officer requested backup.
When the backup arrived to assist the officer, they attempted to pull Allen out of the vehicle, pepper-spraying her at the same time. She then drove away at a low, safe speed, hoping to reach a police station. As Allen drove away, police shot at her SUV, hitting her six times. She received injuries to both arms and one leg. She stayed on the phone with the dispatcher this whole time.
After she was shot, Allen was stopped by officers in the area of Concord Street and Outer Drive. She was taken into custody, but was later released. The DPD suspended the officer who shot Allen without pay.
Case Status & Our Next Steps
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for Allen’s physical injuries, emotional trauma, medical expenses, and loss of income, as well as legal costs and any additional relief the Court deems appropriate.
The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Additional information will be made available as the litigation progresses.
Attorney Davis and Tracey Allen spoke at a press conference Feb. 5, covered by multiple news organizations, including:
For media inquiries, contact Davis Injury Lawyers at advice@michiganinjurylawyer.com.
About Davis Injury Lawyers
Davis Injury Lawyers represents individuals and families in serious injury and civil rights cases throughout Michigan. The firm is committed to holding wrongdoers accountable and pursuing full compensation for clients harmed by negligence and misconduct.