Clark County District Court received a new civil complaint on November 3 alleging that four Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers used excessive force during a traffic stop in downtown Las Vegas on March 13. The plaintiff, Alexis Tellez, claims the officers violated his Fourth Amendment rights and caused physical injuries.
Allegations from the complaint
According to the filing, Tellez was pulled over after making an improper U‑turn near the intersection of Fremont Avenue and 6th Street. He rolled down his window and raised his hands, at which point an officer identified only as Officer C. allegedly drew his firearm and pointed it at Tellez’s head. A second officer, identified as Brightmon, is said to have removed Tellez from his vehicle.
The complaint states Officer C. then forced Tellez’s head against the side of a patrol vehicle repeatedly, slamming his head against the vehicle’s guardrails and hood. Tellez was reportedly held against the patrol car for roughly 19 minutes, during which he complained of pain in his chest and shoulder and described emotional distress.
Background and prior incidents
Tellez’s attorneys argue the March 13 incident is not isolated. The suit references social‑media posts that label Officer C. as “Metro Mullet,” suggesting a pattern of confrontational behavior. The complaint also cites LVMPD’s 2025 use‑of‑force data, which show the Downtown Area Command recorded 117 non‑deadly force incidents—the highest total among all LVMPD area commands that year.
Charges and legal relief sought
Following the stop, Tellez faced several criminal charges, including obstruction of justice, providing false information to a peace officer, an unlawful method of license‑plate display, and making an unsafe U‑turn. The Clark County District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue the license‑plate charge. Tellez’s lawsuit seeks dismissal of the remaining charges and compensatory damages from the LVMPD for the alleged injuries and constitutional violations.
LVMPD response
A department spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing standard policy on ongoing lawsuits.
Implications for the community
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of police use‑of‑force practices in Las Vegas. Community advocates have called for greater transparency and accountability within the LVMPD, emphasizing the need to protect citizens’ constitutional rights while maintaining public safety. The outcome of this lawsuit could influence future departmental policies and training regarding de‑escalation and the handling of compliant individuals during traffic stops.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
